Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Helena Hettema’s latest cabaret, ‘Divine’ pays tribute to the magical musicals such as “Evita”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Les Miserables” as well as hits of the great divas such as Judy Garland, her daughter Liza Minnelli, Marlene Diettrich and World War 11 songstress, Vera Lynne who died recently in June 2020, aged 103 and left a timeless mark with tributes pouring in worldwide.
Among the songs featured in the show are Judy Garland’s nostalgic iconic song “Over the Rainbow”, Marlene Diettrich’s lament on the futility of war, “Where have all the Flowers Gone” and “Lili Marlene” made popular in WW || by troops on both sides of the line. Helena also interprets Vera Lynne’s two favourites “White Cliffs of Dover” and “We’ll Meet Again” that recall the fierce battles over England during WW ||.
The chequered life stories of the divas is depicted in the form of voiceovers and nostalgic black and white photographs that emphasise the era in which they lived including those of the WW ||.
Elsa Strating, multi-talented pianist, teacher and arranger of this new show accompanies Helena on piano and clavinova. She performs solo interpretations of “Casta Diva” from “Norma”, the aria made famous by Maria Callas, whom the great New York Metropolitan Opera House conductor, Leonard Bernstein called “La Divina”, as well as an original interpretation of the great tango of Carlos Gardel “Por una Cabeza”.
“…and boy can she sing…Hettema has a voice that ranges from crushed silk to wet gravel and she uses it with sensitivity and skill…great opportunity to see one of south Africa’s finest performers in action.” Peter van der Merwe – Pretoria News
“Sy sny dieper as die vel…” Martjie Roos – Beeld
“Helena Hettema is one of SA’s most accomplished cabaret artists…album (Spirit of Piaf and other great French legends) can be commended for its superb quality of fine musicianship. Her Piaf playfully included a SA feel as the Soweto String Quartet adds a Kwela twist.” Classic Feel – Classic FM mouthpiece
