purple

come on!.JPG

PRESS RELEASE

The HA!Man (Francois le Roux) is a unique phenomenon in the performing world, who took his musical genius, his classical training and his keen interest in the burning issues of humanity today to shape a career that turned him into one of the 21st century's global troubadours. Says poet Norman Morrissey: "(The HA!Man) is a live force in the vibes of our global creative moment." In stead of falling in with the pressure cooker of commercial music or the perfectionist ladder of the classical world, he took an inspiration he got from his father at an early age, to explore and play with music guided by feelings from within. From his days as a child church organist to the decade as a hitchhiker on South Africa's roads, he honed this art of authentic improvisation to also include movement, writing, drawing and indeed, life in general. Finding his inspiration from the people he encounter and the places he visits on his travels, he manages his schedule and localized events independently so that his gift can empower communities from bottom up. The HA! is for everyone.

Over the two decades on the road, the HA!Man has moved towards setting up events in his own style, combining a workshop in spontaneous creativity with a HA! performance (often with guest performers and participants of the workshop joining in) and now also an optional discussion circle after the show which includes tasters of the fruit and sprout diet that keeps him so remarkably young looking. All ages can choose to attend the workshop where he facilitates an environment of free flowing expression, tapping into the world of feeling and how this can create magic through music, movement, drawing and acting. All levels of skill meet here and all are invited to bring their newfound inspirations to the public during the show that follows. In the show, the HA!Man's main instrument is the cello and he uses original electronic accompaniments that provide for an intense and entertaining journey through a range of musical styles and especially emotions. As a world class improviser, he always surprises with interactions with the audience, topics rolling of his tongue in song or poetry, bringing each performance to a unique climax of heartfelt humanity. Says Greg Pastoll in Cape Town: "If you go to your grave without seeing this show, you will have let history pass you by."

The HA!Man returns to the Guy Butler Theatre (Monument, Settler's Hill, Grahamstown) for a special massed choir concert dedicated to love and the future of humanity. It happens appropriately on Tuesday 14 February at 19h30. Participating choirs will be from Graeme College, Victoria Girls High School and Hoërskool PJ Olivier who will sing a selection of popular love songs and the up and coming stage poet Lara Kirsten will add in with more amorous expressions. As a hallmark feature of HA! shows, the choirs will join the HA!Man in full-on inspirational and exciting improvisations which wowed Grahamstown audiences on previous occasions. The highlight of the evening will be the performance of a new massed choir song composed by the HA!Man "It's Up To Us," calling up local communities and groundswell initiatives to move the world into a new age, since we and the planet are being failed by dominating superstructures. Entrance fee is R60 for adults and R20 for students and scholars. Tickets at the door or at the participating schools by Mon 13 Feb (Block Bookings: 6 tickets for the price of 5). Come and be part of an unforgettable evening that promises to infuse the Grahamstown community with new verve in the face of an uncertain future. Visit (www.hamanworld.com)

full press release

algemene persvrystelling

press photos

HA!Man image (standard photos)

HA!Man Impressions (more photos)

VIDEO

HA!MAN SHOW

8 mins or 1 min