For its 2018 mini-production, Hyde Park High School is presenting Home Run, an original musical set in modern-day South Africa.
It is produced and directed by Danielle Bentel, scripted in collaboration with Carly Graeme with music by Tate Mhunduru.
The tale explores the joys and pains of being a teenager and revolves around friendship, peer pressure and the politics that infiltrate the lives of young people.
“When we came up with the concept for Home Run, the one thing we were determined to do was to write a show in collaboration with the children to ensure it was relevant to their lives,” said Graeme.
It features current local music that is sure to delight both audiences and cast alike. With the death of legendary musician Hugh Masekela early this year, Bentel was convinced that the best way to honour him and the incredible body of work he has left behind, would be to include excerpts of his life messages carried through his music into the narrative.
By doing so, it enabled the music to be the moral thread that runs through and connects the story. His song, Thuma mina, made even more famous by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address early this year, features prominently in the play.
Not to be outdone, the children also had a hand in writing some of the songs. The girls’ songs, You See and Next to Me put a spotlight on the teenage tension of wanting to fit in with the ‘cool’ crowd while remaining true to your values and talents.
The boys tackled the difficult subject of staying positive while the world around them is shrouded in pessimism.
The result is an explosive rap aptly-named, Visions, a representation of the men they would like to become and the world they would like to live in.
Home Run is a reflection of the values of young people, their desire to build a better world and the typical teenage struggles that confront them.
It is on at Hyde Park High School until 5 May at 7pm. Tickets are R25 each and are available at the school reception.
Details: 011 447 2281.
Will you attend the musical hosted at Hyde Park High School? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/200936/cricket-stars-at-hyde-park/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/200934/making-a-difference-festival/
