THE SILENT PRINCESS

The Hexagon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg is to present The Silent Princess, a play for children by Geoff Bamber.

Just when the school holidays were starting to seem too long and the youngsters are getting bored, along comes a ray of sunshine in the form of the delightful play for children, The Silent Princess. Veteran director Peter Mitchell, who was responsible for Bobbin and the Mystic Pathway , Peggy the Pint-sized Pirate and The Beeple, amongst many others over the years, has once again put together a piece of theatre to delight, entertain and stimulate children's imaginations.

The Silent Princess is about a princess whose voice was stolen by an evil fairy's spell. This becomes an urgent problem when it is discovered that handsome and dashing Prince Arkalan (whom she met on Facebook) is on his way to court her. The King and Queen decide that it is the job of the Prime Minister to find a cure as soon as possible. And so, with the help of Mysteria the Mystic, he leads the group, which includes the Princess, her handmaiden Callia and a couple of incompetent guards, in search of Morgana the Sorceress, to ask for a cure.

As with all things royal these days, there is great interference from the media, in the form of Ivor Scoop of the Daily Globe, not to mention snarling gremlins and a powerful potion. But do we get our fairytale happy ending? Best come and see for yourself!

An ensemble cast led by a bossy narrator create chaos and hilarity as they rush about trying to tell the story, make the props, be the scenery and frantically change costumes, which have been cunningly designed by Sandra Styles, inspired by paper dolls.

While the play is aimed at children from 6 to 10 years old, it will appeal to all those young at heart.

The Silent Princess runs at the Hexagon Theatre on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus from July 13 to 16 at 10h30 (additional shows Thursday to Sat at 18h00). Tickets R35 at the door or booked through email: hexagon@ukzn.ac.za