Douglasdale actress set for theatre
DOUGLASDALE – With the birth month of late South African icon Nelson Mandela fast approaching, local Douglasdale actress will star in the upcoming show, Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela, at the National Children's Theatre.
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In celebration of 100 years of Nelson Mandela, National Children’s Theatre brings to the stage an original production of one of Chris van Wyk’s last stories called Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela and featuring in the show is Alyssa Harrison a resident of Douglasdale.
The tale of Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela is about bravery and persistence, as well as the significance of being literate. The show will also feature joyful music as well as shadow puppetry.
Aimed at teaching children the many wonders of stories, and being able to read them. With the moral of the story being we do not learn from our experiences, we are bound to repeat them and poor Mr Hare believes it is fine to be illiterate.
Mr Hare finds a R200 note on his doorstep. When he turns the note over he sees Mr Mandela’s face and decides to brave the big city of Johannesburg to return it to Mr Mandela. But Mr Hare cannot read and he comes across many people along the way who want to get their hands on Mr Mandela’s money.
The Fourways Review caught up with Alyssa Harrison who detailed her journey in the acting industry, “I began my training under the mentorship of Gemma Donnelly at Stageworx Performing Arts School, where I attained my Trinity Guildhall Associate Diploma in Performing Arts in 2012. I then continued my studies at Oakfields College achieving a Diploma in Musical Theatre and Top Musical Theatre Student in 2016.”
The 26-year-old has starred in shows such as Carrie the Musical showcased at Unisa Little Theatre, The Cradle Will Rock showcased at Auto & General Theatre on the Square, Songs for a New World, and most recently performed as Dorothy Hammerstein in Brett De Groot’s My Favourite Things at the Joburg Fringe in 2018.
Harrison gave a short description of her role in the upcoming play, “First and foremost I must say it’s such a blessing to be creating theatre and bringing theatre to children.
“I’m the narrator and I also play other characters in the show. The audience can expect fun and a lot of dynamics throughout the show which will be good for children.”
The show will take place on the 10 June–21 July at the National Children’s Theatre between 10.30am and 2.30pm daily.
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