Well-known actor Sibu Radebe is in The Late Night Xxxmas Boylesque Show at the Alexander Bar Upstairs. He talks about the show, and his career.
So, Boylesque. What’s it all about? It sounds like a LOT of fun!
Boylesque is fun and sexy! It’s a tongue-in -cheek variety show, which pays tribute to 20th century American style burlesque comedy and vintage “striptease” performances, but with a twist - this revue has a distinct South African flavour.
It is a fun journey through a variety of genres and styles of performance from comedy, cabaret, ballet and drag, to traditional Zulu dancing and of course, the art of tease.
And your role in the show?
In this show I assume my burlesque persona Sboo D’Lish, who is a liberated and fun character. He does a lot of things on stage which I wouldn’t necessarily do. For starters he wears very little at times. He is also very versatile – he sings in high heels, he goes en pointe for a bit of classical ballet and then he transform into a sexy Zulu warrior.
Apparently it has been performed before, in various incarnations. And this version is a Cape Town/Jo’burg collaboration?
The show began as a collaboration between myself and cult film maker Stanimir Stoykov. The production quickly grew and various performers from the entertainment industry joined in on the burlesque fun.
For the last two years we have been performing at various venues, festivals and events around the country and we have met many interesting characters, especially within the burlesque community itself.
Cape Town boasts a big burlesque community and they have taken a liking to us. In this latest version of the show we have invited Cape Town-based burlesque performers like Golden Delishas and Jezzy Belle as special guests.
So are you getting a bit of a Cape Town holiday in between work?
I have travelled around the world and I can say that Cape Town is my favourite city!
You’re a musical kind of guy, with productions such as Chicago and Beauty and the Beast to your name. Is it a genre you particularly love?
I particularly enjoy performing in musicals because I get to sing and dance and act. And I can do all three.
And you’ve done TV – I’m thinking of your role as Vusi in Backstage. Are you ever hailed on the street as your TV character? Or asked for an autograph? And if so, what do you do?
I am often recognised as the character of Vusi from Backstage by strangers. I always take the time to stop, chat and pose for pictures with the fans. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to play such an important role on such a groundbreaking TV show.
What’s up for you this coming year – have you got any interesting plans on the go?
I hope to continue with Boylesque as I am having so much fun. I sing in two languages, dance in a variety of styles and I get to be naughty onstage. I find it very liberating. I am also looking into some more TV work.
And what is on your wish-list for 2015?
I plan to become a millionaire in 2015!
What do you like to do to relax?
Relaxing is actually one of my favourite things to do! I love spending time alone, I read a lot. I write a lot.
l The Late Night Xxxmas Boylesque Show is at the Alexander Bar Upstairs tonight and tomorrow night, and then on December 19 – 20, 021 300 1652.