It’s been nearly four months since President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the national lockdown to help slow down the spread of the deadly Covid-19 coronavirus in South Africa.
And whilst we find ourselves at Level 3 with most people back at work, the entertainment and arts industry is still suffering.
However, we’re finally beginning to find our feet, with live streaming shows becoming the order of the day.
The latest one coming your way is The Essential Comedy Show starring Cape Town’s hottest social comedic personalities - Waffels & Mo & Iekie, Plaasnaar TV, Skurrel Productions By Pung & Fransiena Willemse.
Also joining the line-up is yours truly, and my alter ego, Mariam Kerrie.
Wasief's alter ego, Mariam Kerrie
Live online streaming is a new medium for most of us, both for the artist and audiences.
Over the past two months, I’ve seen that when a live show is being advertised, many people still tend to ask ‘watter theatre speel die show’, so let me explain.
For online streaming shows, you can be anywhere in the world, purchase a ticket and watch the show on the internet in the comfort of your home.
To watch, all you need is a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet with internet connection.
Some places of entertainment like casinos have already opened.
But mense, ons gaan nie soema gou na die theatre of na ‘n hall toe nie, daar’s ‘n Coronavirus daar buite.
However, it’s important to support our local talent, because asseblief, kanallah, mense, die local artists het vir maande nie gewerk nie, hulle moet oek biesmiellah en het oek families.
So support vir hulle met julle data en donations, and in this case by simply buying a ticket.
The Essential Comedy Show promises to be ’n groot lagbol which is much needed during this tough period we found ourselves in and the artists on the bill are all excited for it.
Whaadia Samuels who plays the character of Mo says: “Ek en Ikie is excited vir die show.
“Dis ons eerste live streaming show en ons kan nie wag nie. Mense vra altyd vir ons wanne kom ons Joburg toe of PE toe, but nou kan almal vir ons kyk deur net ‘n link (ticket) te koep.”
Nizaam, aka Pung from Skurrel Productions says: “Ek en Dino kyk voorentoe vir die show.
“Dis net Dino is nog bietjie confused oor die link wat die mense moet koep om vir hom te kyk. Hy vra, Pung watse link is dit? Isit ‘n kettang link? Toe moes ek verduidelik, nee Dino, dis ‘n link op Quicket. Ons het ‘n lekker show vir die mense soe support ons.”
Plaasnaar says the lockdown has hit him hard and he had moments of hopelessness and desperation.
BAIE SWAAR : Plaasnaar struggling in lockdown
“Hierdie lockdown is baie swaar,” he says.
“There were times that I got so tired and prayed that Cyril should give us a break. So I’m definitely bringing my A-game to the Essential Comedy Show.”
Fransiena says she can’t wait either: “Jirre mense ek kan nie waggie, die ding gaan ruk en ek is nogal die MC, so stiek uit, ons gaan bos gaan!”
It is important to not break down our own talent who are striving to make a living in these tough times.
So be lekker and go to their Facebook pages, click on the link and purchase your tickets.
Tickets cost R70 and you can also go directly to Quicket to book.
The show will be streaming on 11 July, that’s this coming Saturday, enjoy!