Guild all set to host SA version of iconic play for kids, ‘The Gruffalo’
THE South African version of Tall Stories’ West End hit, The Gruffalo, plays in East London as part of the Umtiza Arts Festival at the Guild Theatre from Saturday to Tuesday followed by a few bonus shows.
Highly sought-after rights to perform the The Gruffalo in South Africa were obtained in 2016 by the National Arts Festival (NAF) in Grahamstown, and produced and performed throughout South Africa with Grahamstown actors, said Ryan Bruton, NAF’s operations manager.
Bruton said: “Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in the magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.”
He said the production’s catchy songs, lively story telling, energy and interactive enthusiasm charmed audiences in its sold-out premier season at the 2016 Cape Town Fringe, where The
Gruffalo was the biggest grossing production, selling out six of its 11 performances. The same team staged the children’s tale in Port Alfred and Port Elizabeth, receiving rave reviews, and enjoyed a near sold-out run for three weeks in Johannesburg.
The cast, Ayanda Nondlwana, Nombasa Ngoqo, Sisonke Yafele and Mandisi Heshu, all from Joza in Grahamstown and trained by Rhodes University’s Ubom! Theatre Company, are directed by Tara Notcutt in a production that boasts a uniquely South African flavour.
Festival CEO Tony Lankester said it took two years to set up the South African theatre deal. He said although the temptation existed to use big theatre companies in Johannesburg or Cape Town, they chose Grahamstown as part of the NAF’s “Creative City” vision for the town.
Besides using local actors, all the costumes and props were being made in Grahamstown.
Lankester said using South African actors gives it a unique Mzansi flair and charisma that “put some pantsula into the veins of The Gruffalo”.
The cast, who are all involved in the European Union-funded Makana Arts Academy partnership the NAF has set up, includes Ayanda Nondlwana, who plays The Gruffalo “monster”, and Sisonke Yafele, who plays a range of predators.
The artistic director of UK-based Tall Stories, Olivia Jacobs, attended several performances in Cape Town, and was thrilled with the spontaneously warm reaction it provoked, while Steve Kretzmann, editor of online arts group thecritter.co.za, wrote of “screeches of joy” from the Cape Town audience. Audience participation, ingenious comedic work by the narrator, and carefully spaced rhymes and bouncy songs keep busy young minds focused, while the rest of the family enjoy the energy and fun of children’s theatre.
Overheard at the launch in Cape Town: “Yoh, the Gruffalo is BIG” (Troy, 5); “The best bit was the snake – when can we go again?” (Kali, 3); and in the press: “The kids had a marvellous time – with many varied responses (such as the kid who called out all the lines and one who daintily and deliberately went through her packed lunch) drawing smiles from adults, who sang and clapped along with gusto.”
Bruton said: “The production is most suitable for children aged three to 10 and their grown-ups. Tickets are R60, but for children aged four to 16 it’s R55. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.” “www.gruffalolive.co.za is the starting point for your journey into the woods!” Block bookings (30+) can be made on Computicket, or one can contact Zuko at the Guild Theatre on (043) 743-0704.