“Cohen – A Tribute” is an exploration of the life and works of the late Leonard Cohen. It features his music and poetry interspersed with anecdotes from his life and other literary writings. You can expect early hits such as Suzanne and So long Maryanne, the haunting Famous Blue Raincoat and Who By Fire?, lighter works such as Tower of Song as well as pieces from his final album You Want It Darker? - released just before his death. The text for the show was researched and compiled by Perran Hahndiek and is performed by Dave Starke.

Perran Hahndiek is a writer and poet based in Cape Town. He studied political science at UCT and is a procedural advisor to the National Assembly in the South African Parliament. 

Dave Starke is a singer and guitarist based KZN. He has performed in a number of festivals and shows throughout South Africa and abroad over the last 20 years. In 2016, he appeared on the first season of The Voice – South Africa. In addition to performing, Dave also composes music for film and television as well as running a non-profit performing arts school for underprivileged youth in southern Zululand.

Some Feedback/comments:

“Dave Starke in ‘Cohen - A Tribute’ was the last scheduled show at the Rosebank Theatre, and one of the most brilliant. Quite simply Starke rocks!” William de Villiers

“As a tribute to the great Leonard Cohen, this show is excellent. You will learn interesting things about his life, and the stories behind the songs, but you will also feel the depth of emotion that is vital to any true rendition of Cohen\'s songs.” Robin Bownes

Audience Responses

Great especially for Cohen fans. Last number (hallelujah) a bit weak but otherwise an impressive one hander in your splendidly eccentric venue. Thanks.

It was brilliant . Fantastic performance. I would love to go again and again and again...

Brilliant!

An excellent show however the theatre was uncomfortably hot which spoilt the evening.

Would have preferred Hallelujah performed as the original song but otherwise a brilliant evening

A very well paced and informative tribute to the man and his music. MapMyWay (PLEASE check sound volume levels - this is a small, intimate space and you need to be careful not to over amplify)

Enjoyed the show enormously Dave is highly talented A graceful show which under scores the tribute to Leonard Cohen

It was brilliant . Fantastic performance. I would love to go again and again and again...

The presentation, performance, atmosphere was very good!

Brilliant. An excellent presentation. As a non-Cohen fan (i went with my boyfriend) i learnt something meaningful about this enigma that captures so many people, and could appreciate better why this guy with the bad voice is so astronomically popular.

Fabulous show, superb voice.

Wonderfully contrived (orig.), incl sensitive evocative informative insightful Excellent performance

The presentation, performance, atmosphere was very good!

We loved the show! Dave Stark did an excellent job bringing back Leonard Cohen to life for us. Beautiful, sensitive performance. We also enjoyed the food and lovely atmosphere after the show. I found your internet booking and pre-payment so easy and smooth . Just one recommendation-we sat in back row and found the airconditioner at times a bit noisy. We will definitely be back!

I'll go to the show again if it comes to Cape Town. BUT, please organise more fans and/or a stronger air-conditioning.

a wonderful performance - excellently done.

Great especially for Cohen fans. Last number (hallelujah) a bit weak but otherwise an impressive one hander in your splendidly eccentric venue. Thanks.

David Starke was excellent and the show was very entertaining. Highly recommended.

Excellent show. Highly professional, passionate and personable. The combined talent of Perran Hahndiek and Dave Starke brought home the intimacy and genius of poet and philosopher Leonard Cohen to the audience of appreciative fans. Quality and excellent performances continue at the Alexander Bar. Thanks.

excellent in every department!

Great especially for Cohen fans. Last number (hallelujah) a bit weak but otherwise an impressive one hander in your splendidly eccentric venue. Thanks.

Fantastic performance with a suitably humble interpretation of this incredible singer-songwriter. Goose bumps for many of the songs!

It was brilliant. A real tribute to a great man by a great artist.

Absolutely stunning show; a real tribute to leonard Cohen's life, poetry and music. Could have mentioned that Matianne (Ihlen) was Norwegian. She passed away in late July 2016 and Cohen followed her a few months later in November 2016. Many places at the beautiful Greek island of Hydra, where Leonard met Marianne, are still tied to his presence, and is a source of pride for the local inhabitants. Cohen's house on Hydra, that he bought in the 1960s, still belongs to his family. All the best, Odd (Bergen, Norway & Cape Town)

Outstanding show. Captured the essence of Cohen perfectly. Highly recommended.

David's performance was excellent. Great voice and excellent singer, musician and raconteur. The show seemed a little short, apparently because time was limited because of a show to follow

It was a wonderful show. Dave performed the songs so well, his voice is perfect for it. Well researched and interesting.

Top rate show. Absolutely brilliant!

I give a 5. An excellent performance

Really enjoyed it - intimate, funny, moving. And all from a talented musician. Great show

Great especially for Cohen fans. Last number (hallelujah) a bit weak but otherwise an impressive one hander in your splendidly eccentric venue. Thanks.

This is probably one of the best solo performance I have seen anywhere. Star'ks interpretation was superb in his musicality, attention to detail and passion. This skilled performer should go far in his musical career. I am not normally so effusive about a performer, but this was special My wife and i loved it. Barry Selby

Great show - superb guitar playing, informative info on Cohen - and entertaining.

Just to short!

Excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

I give a 5. An excellent performance

The artist was brilliant, but I have an issue with the venue. I really enjoyed the vibe and even had dinner before the show. I will definitely be back. But, I sat in the back row and the aircon was extremely irritating. It made a terrible noise and in certain instances I could not concentrate on hearing the artist. Please have this fixed, as I would love to return to the theatre for future shows. It seems to happen when the aricon swings and when it "aims" the airflow downwards.

What a magical evening. We all absolutely LOVED this show. Sensitively handled, no trying too hard to impress. Just beautiful, touching and wow, what a great voice! Well done guys.

This was an amazing show with rich narratives and great songs. Wonderful venue!

An outstanding performance. Would definitely come back for more Thank you Jill

It was brilliant . Fantastic performance. I would love to go again and again and again...

Thoroughly enjoyable and interesting. Glad we stumbled on this and hope to get to your fine establishment more often in 2018.

Leonard Cohen wrote it and Dave Starke perfected it