Working for ‘Charity’

It’s a piece that deals with a number of fairly mature themes – the eponymous heroine is a woman of relatively ill repute, for one thing. Was there any re-writing required?

“No,” says Ramos-Violante.

“It’s a musical that has a great book by Neil Simon, and we’re very excited about the story part of it. There are lots of cuts, though…”

“And nobody smokes,” grins Hawkins.

“Well, not on stage. Anyway, the story is about a girl – Charity Hope Valentine – and all she wants is to be loved; that’s the main theme. She’s a dancehall hostess.”

That sounds like a euphemism…

“Well, yes – we’re working with learners, so we need to be careful,” Hawkins says.

“But you’re right: these girls sell dances to men. Charity’s had boyfriends, but they’ve always been nasty types who use her and steal all her money and she’s left at square one. Eventually she meets Oscar, who’s a complete nerd and not the sort of guy she’d usually go for, but she falls in love with him and he mostly with her, except that he has an issue with the number of guys she’s been with in the past.”

That sounds like a challenging role. Is it played by a single actress in this context?

“The school has produced some incredible talent,” says Hawkins.

“For us it’s been very difficult because we’re working in Broadway or American theatre style. All the students are studying specific subjects – music or dance or whatever – and it’s been difficult to get the crossover we want going.”

Are the pupils grabbing the opportunity, though; confirming that this is what they’ve dreamed of doing – beyond the theory and the homework?

“Yes,” says Ramos-Violante.

“It’s such an opportunity for them. The show will be staged at the Joburg Theatre, on the Mandela Stage. They’re working with industry professionals, and there’s a full orchestra – also NSA students. All of these learners want to make a career out of this sort of thing, so it’s so valuable as a showcase, not only for the school but for themselves as well. And the experience of working in a professional environment is excellent.”

The Festival Of Fame is a great platform for fresh talent and new work.

“We share the stage with the Dance Spectrum during the festival, and that includes Spanish dancing, ballet, contemporary dance and more,” says Hawkins.

“Another learning curve took place during the auditions, as the students could pick up how to present themselves and prepare correctly. When we did cast, we couldn’t find one of the characters, who’s a very sauve Italian film star, Vittorio Vidal.

“So we ended up getting Christopher Jaftha, who’s just finished being Aladdin in the pantomime, but who is also an alumnus of the school.

“He’s fantastic, and the students can see what someone who has been through what they’re going through can achieve, and what attitude is needed.”

Is there a cast of millions? Is the idea to try and give everyone a chance?

“We’ve been quite strict with the casting process,” says Ramos Violante.

“We’re using as many of the students as we can, though. There are about 40 cast members, plus a 22-piece orchestra from the school’s music department, and extra dancers from the school as well. So there quite a few learners involved.”