Despite myriad problems, Hazel is upbeat about theatre in SA

PETER FELDMAN

Pictured: Producer Hazel Feldman with theatre legend Dr John Kani.

PHOTOGRAPH: CHRISTIAAN KOTZE

During her stint as entertainment director at Sun City in its golden years in the ‘80s, she was responsible for importing every major name to grace the Superbowl stage, from Frank Sinatra to Liza Minnelli, from Paul Anka to Elton John, Rod Stewart, Cher, Shirley Maclaine, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton – and others.

Today she is charting a different path and has introduced audiences to stage musicals of the calibre of Jersey Boys, Dreamgirls, Fame, Chicago, Menopause – The Musical and We Will Rock you, to name a few.

Asked how difficult it has become to mount first class shows in South Africa in light of the economic situation, Feldman said: “It’s very difficult. There are two key issues here, the state of the economy in South Africa and the foreign exchange rate. There’s a limit to the prices we can charge for tickets – but international managements only see the revenue in terms of the foreign currency.

“So when we are charging around R350 and R450 for a ticket, that is only around $22 to $28 in American currency. The average ticket price on Broadway is around $80 to $150 and for concerts it’s upwards of $150.

“It’s very difficult to get international managements and agents to take South Africa seriously as a viable destination. And from a local perspective every ticket carries a 14 per cent VAT deduction plus other costs. It’s not easy right now.”

Despite these challenges Feldman perseveres, though she admits she has no idea why she continues in the business. “Whenever I talk about retiring, the phone rings and I cannot say ‘no’.”

South African audiences are changing all the time and Feldman believes they have become far more discerning. “They have been treated to world-class entertainment over the past decade and the expectation levels are high.”

She has to meet a busy schedule and has a full plate of productions geared for the remainder of the year. “We have ‘Disney on Ice’ opening on June 24 at the Ticketpro Dome. This is an annual feature and we are loving the fact that it seems to have become part of the annual calendar for families.”

Another production, the celebrated “Slava Snowshow”, opens at the Teatro, Montecasino on July 26 and should prove a hit. “We believe in introducing new, exciting and innovative entertainment. Slava is hauntingly beautiful and has played to enormous success and acclaim around the world,” she said.

Over the past 20 years, it has played in more than 120 cities including New York, London, Sydney, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Moscow and Rio de Janeiro.

In October “Annie” opens at Pieter Toerien’s Theatre and forms another collaboration between her and renowned theatre owner and producer Pieter Toerien.

In November, Feldman is bringing back the “Cirque Éloize iD” for a short season, a hip hop/cirque extravaganza was last here two years ago.

Feldman has established a good working relationship with Pieter Toerien. “While we do a number of our own shows, we do collaborate on certain musicals and I have learned so much from him.”

Another facet to her career is her ability to mount shows both in South Africa and then tour them where possible in Asia. “Our talent is world class and is now accepted as such. And we can earn in foreign currency which has obvious benefits.

“Unfortunately we can only play in Asia and New Zealand because of Equity and union restrictions on South African talent in Australia, Europe and the UK.”

Asked whether she saw a bright future for entertainment in South Africa, Feldman replied: “Optimism is my middle name. We just have to be smart – and entertainment will always have a place in South Africa.”