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Saturday, November 7, 2015

TRIBUTE TO THE LADY IN WHITE



(Perla Siedle Gibson – the Lady in White – singing to the servicemen aboard a troopship)

Perla Siedle Gibson was best known as The Lady in White, a title she acquired during World War Two.

Many people never knew her real name, they just knew her as the Lady in White who sang to them from the dockside or the harbour entrance, the woman who lifted morale and brought comfort to the millions of service men and women sailing in and out of Durban on the troopship convoys that visited Durban between April 1940 and August 1945.

This was Perla Siedle Gibson, one of Durban’s most treasured legends. A statue created by her niece, respected South African sculptor and acclaimed wildlife artist, Barbara Siedle, currently stands on T-jetty, awaiting relocation to the Maritime Museum or the North Pier.

Durban theatre personality Caroline Smart has often taken on the role of Perla Siedle Gibson in a number of events hosted by the city.

Siedle and Smart have collaborated to create an interesting and heartwarming tribute to Perla Siedle Gibson.

Tribute to The Lady in White can be seen in the Mondays @ 6 programme at St Clements on Monday (November 9) at 18h00. The programme will include the songs Perla chose to offer in terms of hope and courage.

St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road. Mondays @ Six programmes run between 18h00 and 19h00. Table bookings are essential on 031 202 2511. There is no cover charge but there is a donations box to support presenters.