Curtain up on spring: ‘A Girl Called Owl’ and ‘The Frog Prince’ light up the Joburg stage

I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to warmer weather with spring on our doorstep. The burst of colour from the blooms and the rejuvenated mindset help carry us through for the next few months. 

As such, getting out and about becomes a natural part of routines. With that in mind, here are a few offerings worth diarising for theatregoers.

A Girl Called Owl

Jon Keevy’s acclaimed production has a limited run at the Centurion Theatre. 

A coming-of-age South African tale on lost innocence, misunderstood love and stifled creativity, the story centres on Olivia, who moves to a small town in the Overberg. 

Here, her curiosity draws her to Kay, who has a rebellious streak. Kay, marked by a scar that tells a story of its own, pulls Olivia, whom she calls Owl,  into a world that is new to her. 

Larissa Crafford-Lazarus delivers an exceptional performance, seamlessly switching between the roles of Owl and Kay.

“It’s a story that takes us back to a time when we were young and impressionable. The characters are familiar somehow … perhaps resembling people from our past who we hated or who we loved,” shared director  Inge Crafford-Lazarus.

She continued: “At the heart of it is Olivia – bright, funny and full of determination. She is also a little bit awkward, fumbling, some would say foolish, but pure of heart and rightly outraged at the domestic and institutional injustices that others prefer to turn a blind eye to. ‘A Girl Called Owl’ is a compelling, deeply moving piece of theatre that will leave its mark in the crevices of your heart.”

Attendees must be 16 years or older.

Where: Centurion Theatre. 

When: September 19 – 20, 7.30pm and 3pm.

The Frog Prince

If you are looking for a delightful family-friendly offering, this show is perfect. 

A captivating adaptation of the classic fairytale, this production is laden with favourite sing-along songs. 

The story centres on a princess who forms an unlikely friendship with a frog, who is a handsome prince under the spell of a wicked witch.  Of course, you know how such stories play out. 

But the overall message of kindness and respect permeates this story. This show is a wonderful mix of interactive and educational. 

The cast of Luciano Zuppa, Thokozani “TK” Jiyane, Noluthando Mathebula and Raymond Skinner play myriad roles under the direction of Jill Girard. 

Where: People’s Theatre. 

When: September 2 to 21, 9am and 11am for schools, and 1030am and 2.30pm for the public, including weekends and school holidays.