Under the Baobab Tree – A charming selection of stories and songs come to life at the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) from 7 October.
The story begins when their beloved Khokho dies, and his great grandchildren are surprised to hear that they have inherited a large dusty old suitcase. They call their friends to help open the suitcase. As they all gather under the Baobab tree, they carefully uncover this treasure of mementos: some old photographs, a tape recorder, other odds and ends, including traditional garments and hats. Not knowing what this all means, they have great fun making up stories around these ‘treasures’, and listening, eventually singing and dancing to music from great grandpa’s collection, including Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba and Mango Groove.
A superb multi-talented cast takes the audience into a suitcase filled with fun, action, beautiful music, pulsating rhythm and dance.
Adapted and directed by Francois Theron, this delightful production promises to enthral and entertain young audiences and teach some valuable lessons about friendship. Most of all, it will install a pride in our rich, unique South African culture and heritage.
A talented cast include JT Medupe, Nonhla Mkhonto, Suzaan Helberg who were last seen in NCT’s production of the Astounding Antics of Anthony Ant, as well as Emkay Khanyile, and Mamohato Askew and nine children from NCT Saturday Theatre Workshops.
The production creative team includes musical supervision by Rowan Bakker, assistant-director Sihle Ndaba, set design by Stan Knight, lighting by Greg Angelo and wardrobe supervisor Chriselda Pillay.
Shows are on Mondays to Saturdays during the government school term from 7 October to 12 October at National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg.
Tickets for chairs are R110 and tickets for cushions are R90. Pensioner’s over 65 tickets are R90 per person. Block bookings tickets are R90 for adults and R70 for children. Booking is essential.
Details: Claudy 011 484 1584/5, bookings@nctt.org.za
