Alyssia Birjalal

Multimedia Journalist, IOL Lifestyle

From Greek tragedy to self-reflection: two dramas heating up Durban stages this week

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Experience two theatrical titans: Slabolepszy’s nostalgic 'Elvis du Pisanie' meets a massive, reimagined student staging of the Greek tragedy 'King Oedipus'.

Magic, music and comedy take over Durban stages this week

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Mark your calendars for unscripted and unmissable theatre shows this week in Durban.

Race against time: two students seek lifesaving swab matches to beat leukaemia

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Two young South Africans, Siphephile and Zibusiso, urgently need life-saving stem cell matches. You could be the hero they need.

Farhana Yunnus’s ‘Dear Waheed’: a heartfelt lockdown read that’s more than just letters

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

In 'Dear Waheed', Farhana Yusuf's thirty heartfelt letters reveal a mother's journey of love and faith during the pandemic.

Kajal Maharaj stars in the immersive new Durban stage drama 'A Woman Apart'

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Kajal Maharaj helms this immersive live screenplay, blending AI technology with raw drama, at Seabrookes Theatre.

Curtain up, Durban! The top theatre and dance acts you can’t miss this April

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Join The Royal Ballet as they present the haunting tale of 'Giselle' on the big screen, alongside a magical rendition of 'The Little Mermaid Junior' and a concert ...

Explosive twists: how the newcomers are turning the story upside down in 'Uzalo' season 12

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

New characters bring chaos, charm and long-buried secrets to KwaMashu as 'Uzalo’s' new season redefines power, legacy and loyalty.

'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' delivers a gripping masterclass in suspense and high-stakes smuggling

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Tired of over-the-top action? Discover 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web' on Netflix, a gripping crime thriller that dives into the world of airport customs.

From high seas to high notes: discover Durban's must-see shows this month

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Experience Durban’s vibrant stage this April! From high-flying rock and Maskandi rhythms to enchanting underwater magic, the curtain is officially up!

Make a splash this Easter: 'The Little Mermaid Jr' brings magic to Durban stages

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Join Ariel and her friends for an enchanting journey under the sea in 'The Little Mermaid Junior'. This captivating production brings the beloved Disney classic ...

Healing beyond borders: how Dr Tash Reddy is transforming global trauma recovery

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Dr Tash Reddy overcomes personal trauma to lead global healing through her resilient method, empowering others to rebuild after life's storms.

The great egg-scape: your roadmap to Durban’s most magical Easter egg hunts

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Discover Durban’s best 2026 Easter hunts! From farm scavenger adventures to golden-egg gambles, here is your guide to stress-free family fun.

Gqom pioneer DJ Boonu passes away after a short illness

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Durban mourns Gqom pioneer DJ Boonu, the 'uSwidi Wodwa' hitmaker who passed away following a short illness.

Experience the best of Mzansi literature as the Umhlanga Book Fair wraps up a week of inspiring talks

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Don’t miss the Umhlanga Book Fair, which runs until March 22. Meet local authors, join inspiring talks, and discover your next favourite read.

Music lovers are in for a treat with these Durban stage productions

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

If you’re a fan of music or razor-sharp wit, slapstick timing and history get your ticket to one of these shows.

Durban theatre stages to come alive with stories of heritage, history and heart

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Whether you’re looking for a spiritual reflection or a deep dive into South African legacy, here are two standout productions to add to your calendar.

Watch VideoWATCH:Chicken Licken’s latest ad celebrates Bollywood and the ‘real human truth’

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Xolisa Dyeshana explains how Chicken Licken uses real human truths and Bollywood magic to create their latest advert.

Experience the magic: KZNPO 2026 summer season in full swing

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra returns to the stage this month for a spectacular two-concert Summer Season.

Durban's theatre scene has something for everyone this week

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Grab your tickets, find your seat and get ready to experience the unique spark that only live performance can provide.

Tammy Kavirayan's 'Shattered': a raw account of survival and resilience in the face of GBV

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Tammy Kavirayan's debut memoir, 'Shattered', reveals her harrowing journey as a survivor of gender-based violence. With a powerful narrative, she aims to shed light ...

Love, laughter and legends: this week in Durban theatre

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Experience the best of Durban’s stage this week with a vibrant mix of musical comedy, romantic ballet and social advocacy.

Prev Reddy transforms laughter into life lessons in new memoir

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

From the viral TikToks to the heights of Netflix and a book deal, Prev Reddy is finally telling his story, unfiltered.

Get a front row seat to Durban's buzzing theatre scene

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Whether you're a theatre regular or looking for a unique night out, Durban’s stage scene is buzzing this season.

Durban’s theatre scene is kicking it up a notch this month

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

From laugh-out-loud comedy to the graceful power of rock-and-roll ballet, here are the top productions to book right now.

From war epics to royal romances: your ultimate 2026 Bollywood movie guide

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

Get ready, South Africa! Bollywood is taking over the big screen in 2026.