The Rocky Horror Show celebrates its 40th anniversary

The Rocky horror picture show has always had a special place in my cultural upbringing; it crossed socially constructed lines, it blurred gender roles, and it eliminated the need to put sexuality in a box and neatly label it. The first time I watched it, it was already 30 years old, but still posing relevant questions about the rigidity of our stifling, conservative society. Now ten years later, I watched enthralled as it was brought to life again at the Fugard Theatre for its 40th anniversary. 

South African audiences raved about it month after month, causing it to be extended until January 2014 to sate the unsatiable appetite of the Capetonian theatre-lovers. I absolutely loved this rendition of Rocky Horror Show, Brendan van Rhyn's interpretation of Frank n Furter was both instantly overwhelming and instantly lovable. (originally made famous by Tim Curry who played this role when the play debuted at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1973). Needless to say I watched it twice! 

Audience members don rocky horror inspired costumes and can participate by buying participation packs that enable them to act out scenes with the actors similar to the way cult followers have year after year overseas in annual Halloween screenings. 

Our dress up night:

An Indian Wedding Part Two

Every wedding guest knew that this would be an occasion to remember, a place and time where cultures and traditions would come together in the celebration of a truth universally known - love. The bride to be is Muslim and Indian from humid Durban, the groom brought up Christian in the suburbs of Edgemead - the wedding day would be a melting pot of religions, traditions, and expectations! And it was stunning, the day brought together 150 people to celebrate in the union of Su & Jacques on their special day.

The Tale of Two Dresses
An Imam performed the wedding ceremony beautifully and with feeling, and involved the whole congregation, mixed in religion as we were, by uniting us by the foundations of each our own faith and spirituality. Shivers went down my spine and goosebumps raised all over my arms when I heard the familiar proclamation "I do" followed by a more masculine "I do", and it was official.

Having not snuck in to see the bride before the ceremony, I had no idea how stunning she would look walking down the aisle to an Indian instrumental wedding march in her red wine wedding Sari, heavy with blinking jewels and intricate designs - she was a blushing beauty to behold! Later she re-appeared for the speeches, dinner, cutting of the cake, bouquet and garter tossing, in a sleeveless figure hugging white wedding gown with trailing princess train.

The Floral arrangements
Colour is an integral part of Indian weddings and this was no different! Gold bowls overflowed on each table with beautifully paired flowers, roses nestled against proteas as if that made total natural sense. I love flowers, in the garden and in my home so I was thrilled at the incorporation of rose petals to adorn the "chapel" floor. Incidentally, it may have something to do with why I caught the bouquet ;)

We had an awesome time, dancing until late (long since kicked off our shoes) and partaking in the festivities. Here's a picture of my boyfriend and I from the photo booth that was set up while we waited for the couple to have their photos taken.

An Indian wedding: Part 1

Last week I had the most incredible experience, I attended an Indian wedding - my first. I have never looked forward to an occasion such as this with as much anticipation and excitement. I broke this experience into two parts, starting with the mehndi celebrations that were held the night before the wedding. 

The Mehndi Celebration

This celebration is an elaborate, joyous and colourful pre-wedding ceremony held in honour of the bride at her family home. Both the bride and groom attend for blessings from the brides family and close friends, while the bride and female guests are decorated by elaborate henna or mehndi tattoos. 

My hand just after being painted and the following morning after it has dried, flaked off, and stained darker. 

I found it heartwarming to watch as family members and friends went one by one to bless the bride and groom (separately), stooping to select a sweet treat to feed them and gathering a spice and oil mixture to smear on the couples face, arms, and feet to cleanse them. Then blessing them and tossing either a flower or a cash gift over their heads into a suspended gauze scarf. 

I adored the beautiful colours on every sari, punjabi, backdrop, and flower streamer, an image that for me will always be synonymous with an Indian wedding.