THE Mbekweni ADP children's choir left for Taiwan last week, where they will represent South Africa.

This choir, consisting of children from disadvantaged families, will join other choristers from Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The ages of the forty-five choristers range between eight and fifteen years. They sing gospel and choral music and also perform a variety of traditional dances.

The main objective of their trip is to promote friendship between African and Taiwanese children through music.

The choir is expected to perform in a number of concerts and will have some time to meet high level government officials in Taiwan, thus marketing World Vision.

The children will also meet child sponsors and record their music.

Established in 2000, the objective of the choir was to protect children against social evils that are associated with informal settlements, especially due to the lack of recreational facilities.

THE Joseph and Mary Affair, directed by Marthinus Basson and written by Malan Steyn and Ilse Oppelt can be seen in the Little Theatre, Stellenbosch, from 26 to 30 December and again from 2 to 4 January with Abduragman Adams, Charlton George and Ilse Oppelt.

It becomes a tussle between  a script and Scripture when three garment factory workers decide to stage a nativity play.

This highly entertaining production has audiences rocking between laughter and tears. For bookings phone 072-538-0487.

THERE are still tickets available for the première night of Richard Loring's award-winning, internationally acclaimed musical, "African Footprint" on Friday 27 December at the Artscape Theatre Centre in Cape Town.

Paarl Hospice has scooped the première of this musical with the hypnotic heartbeat of the African drum and the inspiring words of poet Don Mattera dramatically stating "This land...South of Africa...!", against the backdrop of the haunting pennywhistle and the rich sounds of the saxophone.

Ticket prices range from R105 to R180 per person. For bookings and enquiries phone Paarl Hospice at 872-4060 (08:30-13:30), Betty Waddington at 082-420-4458 (after hours), Lyn Brodovcky at 072-200-1547 or Michele Sequeira at 082-574-5422.

Paarl Hospice provides care to the terminally ill in the Paarl Valley, particularly in Mbekweni and Fairyland. The proceeds of this event will help finance their services which to the underprivileged are free of charge.