The cast of Puss in Boots, now on at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown

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Puss in Boots: the menacing Ogre (Hein van Zyl) threatens Puss (Claire Watermeyer)

Cunning cat brings magic to stage The National Children's Theatre is putting on a magical adaptation of Puss in Boots, the much-loved fairytale about a cat who helps its master. September 17, 2007 By George Matlala PUSS IN BOOTS is the latest classic fairytale to be given the Joyce Levinsohn treatment. The play is running at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown until Saturday, 13 October. It tells the story of a clever cat that uses trickery to help its poor master to amass wealth and so win the hand of the king's daughter. Levinsohn says the play teaches children values like honesty and hard work in a fun way. "It is a fun and lovely show," driven by music, comedy and lots of audience interaction. Its style and creativity tap into the audience's imaginations, she notes, adding, "Children must believe in themselves and their dreams will come true." The play has been written to arm the audience with self-esteem, confidence and listening skills, Levinsohn adds. Beautiful costumes and wonderful sets help to transport the audience into the magical world of fairytales. They are taken on a fantasy journey around the world, with stops in Japan, Arabia and Africa as the clever cat gathers silk, riches and a castle to help its master. The action in Puss in Boots excites children and adults alike, the director says. She has won several awards for her contribution to the development of children's theatre, including a Naledi Award for her adaptation and stage production of the beloved children's classic, Charlottes Web. In 2004, she was a runner-up in the Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year Awards. Puss in Boots is on at the National Children's Theatre in Parktown until Saturday, 13 October. Performances are on Mondays to Saturdays at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets are R55 for children and R65 for adults. Bookings can be done through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or at the theatre on 011 484 1584. Block bookings and specials are available for schools, groups and birthday parties through the theatre. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za