June 13, 2006
By Emmanuel Mulaudzi
DON'T miss the fascinating story of a young orphan girl who finds new life in a garden full of magic, now on at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown.
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911, The Secret Garden is about a young orphan, Mary Lennox, who is sent to in live in the 100-roomed Misselthwaite Manor and meets gardener Ben and Dickon, who can understand and interpret the language of birds, animals and flowers.
With the help of the two, Mary discovers a neglected secret garden on the estate, and, by nurturing it back to life, she helps to heal the bad-tempered Colin and uncover family secrets.
"It's a wonderful tale with fascinating characters, beautiful dialogue and a professional vocalist who will enchant both young and old," says the play's director Joyce Levinsohn.
The cast of The Secret Garden: Quintin Collet is Mr Craven, Claudine Marais plays Mary, and Deborah Vierya is Mrs Medlock
"The Secret Garden flows from scene to scene. When you read, you reach into the book. In the theatre the story should reach out to you," says the media liaison officer for the National Children's Theatre, Sydwell Koopedi.
The play takes the audience to magical places where television can never take them, adds Levinsohn. "This is an interactive play at it's best, filled with laughter, love of life and positive thinking."
The Secret Garden is about the healing powers of love and the miracle of rebirth – the blossoming of the plants is synonymous to that of the human spirit. "It is a story of the belief in love that lends itself to the magic of the theatre and creates the opportunity for wonderful costumes, imaginative stage sets and delightful songs," reads a statement from the theatre.
The play will be staged at the National Children's Theatre from Monday 12 June until Saturday 29 July at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets cost R50 for children and R60 adults and are available at Computicket. For more information and bookings, contact the National Children's Theatre on 011 484 1584/5.
The National Children's Theatre is at No 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown.
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