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Monday, September 14, 2009

THE WHEEL

(Pic: Chloe Perling, Shona Johnson, Thobani Mbhele and Phile Ntimbane. Photo by Illa Thompson)

Children’s theatre for the Michaelmas holidays

During the September school holidays from September 24 until October 4, the Catalina Theatre will offer day-time shows of a charming theatre piece for young children, The Wheel by Brian Way – the world-renowned playwright of children’s theatre.

The Wheel reminds us of the importance of make-believe, working together, kindness and having good fun! Ned Wheelwright makes wheels for a living. His wheels were always perfectly-made except one day a wheel was made with one spoke missing. A note appeared on this faulty wheel one night stating clearly that Ned was not to sell this wheel for one whole year! Much to the chagrin of his grumpy wife and the village trouble-maker, Ned put the wheel aside and refused to fix it or sell it. The missing spoke, was, of course, magical! She came to the village and charmed Ned, his wife, the other villagers… even the trouble-maker. The magical spoke reminded the village to take time to tell stories to the children, to play, dress up and have fun… and to always be kind and help each other.

A lively cast of talented actors have been assembled especially for the season. Directed by Catalina intern administrator, Marcia Mzindle, the cast features Chloe Perling, Thobani Mbhele, Shona Johnson and Philile Ntimbane.

Brian Way is regarded as one of the most prolific, acclaimed and respected theatre-makers for works for young children in the world. Way’s theatre company – the Theatre Centre - originated the modern concept of theatre for children in an educational context.

Way believed that plays for young audiences ought to be performed in the round. He believed the plays should be entertaining, as well as informative. It was not, however, until 1965 that theatre in education became an accepted part of the educational system and of professional theatre. He was considered a seminal figure in the development of educational theatre, and a man of extraordinary artistic vision.

The Wheel is produced by TheatreBIZ and runs at the Catalina Theatre from September 24 to October 4 daily at 11h00. Tickets R45 include a boat ride around the harbour (R30 show only) No concessions. Performances are daily at 11 am

To book call 031-305-6889 or email tsibisi@mweb.co.za Catalina Theatre Tickets are now available online at www.strictlytickets.co.za or on our website at www.catalinatheatre.co.za or at www.goingplacesSA.co.za / www.goingplacesSA.com

The Catalina Theatre is still functioning thanks to support from Rainbow Chicken, National Arts Council and Ethekwini Municipality.