Mother and son in the spotlight
Local residents to appear in the 14th Durban 'Passion' play at the Playhouse Drama Theatre.
MOST stage actors will fondly tell you stories of their breakthrough roles or their first major theatre play. Few, if any, get to act in a scene with someone they love. But for Durban North resident, Steven Seagreen, this is about to become a reality. The 11-year-old will be acting in the same play as his mother, Michelle, and though their parts are small, he is thrilled.
Steven and Michelle will be appearing in the 14th Durban ‘Passion’ play at the Playhouse Drama Theatre from 1 to 19 April. The play is presented by the Durban Catholic Players’ Guild. The Northlands Primary pupil will be playing the part of an orange thief, and is one of the youngest actors in the play.
“My dream is to one day become a professional actor, and when we saw an advert for the play at our church I knew I wanted to audition. I do drama at school and have a passion for stage acting. I’m really excited to have my mom in the same play as me; it’s really cool, and I’m looking forward to the start of the play,” Steven said.
The ‘Passion’ play explores the true meaning of Easter. It is an epic-scale dramatic production depicting Jesus’ passion, covering the final period of his life from his visit to Jerusalem to his execution by crucifixion. The play involves seven months of commitment from a 150-plus cast, who receive no remuneration.
Mom, Michelle, said the play has also allowed her to become closer to her son. “It’s definitely strengthened our bond and brought us closer. It’s given us time together, and I wouldn’t have done it without him. It’s also given me an opportunity to meet some very good people involved in the play. So much has gone into the organising of the play and I think it will be an emotional take on Jesus’ life, but it will be also faith-affirming for Steven and I,” she said.
When asked if he’d like to do another play with his mom, Steven succinctly said, “I’d love to.”
There will be 24 performances at the Playhouse Drama Theatre, running from 1 to19 April. One of the highlights is a special performance for the hearing-impaired on Sunday, 12 April at 2:30pm, during which the performance will be signed.
For details contact Dawn Haynes at dmhaynes@webmail.co.za. Public booking is through Computicket. If anyone travelling from a distance requires information regarding bus hire or accommodation, they must contact Robert Haynes on 071 382 5845, or e-mail haynesrobert33@gmail.com, or contact Dominic Sandiah on 082 460 7677 or san diah@telkomsa.net.
