August 27, 2007
By George Matlala
THE classic Grimm brothers fairytale, The Frog Prince, has been pencilled in for the People's Theatre, in Braamfontein.
The well-known story is about a princess who kisses a frog, turning it into a handsome prince. It runs from Monday, 3 September to Saturday, 13 October.
Keith Smith, the co-director, says the story has been masterfully turned into a stage play in an educational initiative that encourages a love for books and emphasizes the importance of reading.
Narration, music, puppetry and loads of audience interaction drive the story. Smith explains that children form an important part of the play, which is why they are enticed to participate. "The story is an engine in provoking kid's imagination."
The Frog Prince is an ideal introduction into the magical world of theatre, he adds. "Story theatre is the most suitable style of theatre for children."
The People's Theatre at the Civic Theatre complex caters for younger audiences
There is a singalong selection of child-friendly music, set designs and props by Marius Boshoff and period costumes by Veronica Sham.
A beautiful princess lives in a castle with her six sisters. One day while playing, her golden ball falls into a pond. A frog offers to retrieve the ball if she lets it eat with her and sleep on her pillow for three nights. The princess reluctantly makes the promise. However, after getting the ball she runs off without saying a word to the frog.
But the frog is tenacious, and visits the castle, where he insists the princess keeps her side of the bargain. Under the orders of her father, the king, she reluctantly lets the frog sleep on her pillow - and even gives it a kiss. On the third night it turns into a handsome prince.
The moral of the story, says Smith, is that people should keep their promises. "The main meaning behind the story is that if you make a promise, you must keep it."
Keeping promises is not the only lesson that can be learned from the story; treating animals with respect and creating friendships are other values that are enforced in the tale, he adds.
Another lesson is that generally people should not be judged by their appearances - they should be given a chance despite their looks.
Other stories that have been turned into plays include The Pudding Tree, The Rabbit, The Elephant and The Magic Soup.
"Just give yourself one chance to come to the theatre, it could change your life," Smith adds.
The Frog Prince is at the People's Theatre in the Civic Theatre complex in Braamfontein, from 3 September to 13 October.
Performances during government school terms are on weekdays at 9am and 11am and on weekends at 10.30am and 2.30pm. During government school holidays there are shows at 10.30am and 2.30pm from Monday to Saturday.
Tickets are R50 for Kids Club members and R65 for people accompanying them. Non-members pay R75.
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