DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

 

(Left: Kiruna-Lind Devar)

 

The Start Of A Journey

A new production of Wela Kapela’s acclaimed Damsel In Distress tells the story of Griselda, aptly named after the original damsel in distress from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. 

She’s a librarian and she has not left the building in a very, very long time. Trapped by that dragon called fear, she has long since traded life for the safer world of fiction. When reality comes knocking, Griselda’s answer is simple: “No thank you. I’d rather just read my book.”

 An avid armchair-traveller, Griselda travels through the world with books - to Paris, New York, Germany and beyond. That is until the handsome Edward Pamment begins frequenting the library. With his undeniable charm and distinctly Mr Darcy-esque manner, Edward awakens a curiosity about the world beyond Griselda’s carefully-constructed castle … and the childhood dreams she has kept locked away.

Through popular songs like I Love Paris, Mein Herr, At Seventeen, Windmills of Your Mind, Bang-Bang and You Don’t Own Me, the music sweeps audiences from Griselda’s imaginary world of travel to the deep corners of a dark and haunted past. Exploring the reality of femicide and gender-based violence, Damsel in Distress promises an exciting journey of hope, heart, courage and survival.

Starring acclaimed actress Kiruna-Lind Devar (Roxie Hart in Chicago, Sophie in Mamma Mia!) in her first solo cabaret, the show also includes distinguished pianist Samatha Riedel as both pianist and musical director.

Multi-award winning cabaret artist Daniel Anderson steps into the director’s chair for the first time. The story is written by celebrated and award-winning writer Amanda Bothma.

Damsel in Distress makes its debut at The Rhumbelow Theatre, from September 11 to 13, 2026.

Tickets and information from Webtickets or Rhumbelow Theatre (roland@stansell.co.za / 082 449 8636)