One of the much anticipated events in this year's Celebrate Durban Heritage season is Red Eye: Ready? a multi-media arts event which will be staged at the Durban Art Gallery on Friday 25 September at 7.30pm.
The Red Eye concept was conceived in 1998 at the Durban Art Gallery. The initiative was started to create a platform for new, up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work in a prominent space, and to make art accessible to all.
It has now been three years since the last event and the Red Eye committee have regrouped and are planning on reviving the concept with a one night only spectacle in true vintage Red Eye tradition. "Red Eye: Ready?" will mark the dawning of a new era for the Durban inner city. The title poses the question of whether Durban is up to the challenge of once again being a platform for the most popular arts event to date, and also to dare artists and the public to step up and be part of this exciting venture.
Red Eye will again test the boundaries and bring different art forms into the grand halls of the Durban Art Gallery. Walking up the red carpet will lead to a feast of dance, drama, fashion, music, visual art and the unexpected.
Some of the highlights will be the sounds of Manuvah to Land, 340ml and Gazelle. Iscathimiya group "Usuthu" will collaborate with dj Mixin Vixen and also with electronic band "Seake".
"The Little Black Dress" has been reinvented by Red Eye stalwart, young fashion designer Shaun Mbhele, who has pulled out all the stops and is challenging Chanel in this cutting edge fashion show. StepAfrika are in town from the USA and will be presenting gumboot dancing with a twist. Local dance show Phansi Phezulu is sure to wow the crowds.
These will happen in and around the exhibitions currently on view which include Past/Present by Andrew Verster, Rising Up together photographs by Gille de Vlieg.
The evening will carry on into the early hours across the road at the glamorous King Club and funky Zulu Jazz Lounge. This promises to be an unforgettable event reviving the excitement which made Red Eye legendary.
Date: Friday 25 September
Place: Durban Art Gallery
Time: 19.30 til late
Cover charge: R40
For further information, photographs and interviews please contact Gabrielle Brown at 076 759 3999 or Jenny Stretton at 031 311 2262.
Entry: Tickets at door
