George ballet brings Narnia to the stage

GEORGE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Following the recent ballet performance of Narnia: A Tale of Three Acts that took place at the George Civic Centre, Abbi Geldenhuys of the Abbi Geldenhuys Academy of Ballet spoke to George Herald about her experience.

The production featured a cast of 120 dancers, bringing the world of Narnia to life through stunning choreography, powerful storytelling and captivating costumes.

Geldenhuys said: “It’s been a journey. Earlier this year, I looked at the Snow Queen as a character. I decided to create a deeper story behind her, and somehow I landed on the Snow Queen and Narnia, and on the idea of how the Snow Queen came through the wardrobe into Narnia as a child and how she actually became the Snow Queen. The two stories morphed into one.

“I kept the four children, using four girls representing the four elements, journeying through Narnia and learning something from each: Earth - strength, Fire - tenacity, Water - calm, and Air - compassion. The magic of love is what breaks the spell.”

Scenes from the performance of Narnia: A Tale of Three Acts.

This production took a year of planning, from music and storyline development to choreography and costume design for 120 children in the show. It included headdresses, lighting and projections.

Geldenhuys said this was her daughter’s last production, describing it as bittersweet, as she had shared the stage with her since she was three years old. The show was dedicated to her, symbolising a journey through her wardrobe of childhood and into the Narnia of life.

Scenes from the performance of Narnia: A Tale of Three Acts.

“It has been an incredible journey having full control and creative freedom, and I loved every moment of it. I hope the audience enjoyed the show,” Geldenhuys said.

The next production is planned for 2028. Geldenhuys also thanked her sponsor, Kiron Pty Ltd, for donating R10 000 towards the production costs.

The ballet drew an audience of 2 500 people over two dress rehearsals and four performances. The dress rehearsals were attended by aged homes, Up with Downs, Carpe Diem, orphanages and various life groups.

Scenes from the performance of Narnia: A Tale of Three Acts.

Geldenhuys’ biggest dream for the city is to see an amphitheatre built with a proper view for audiences. There were no alternative venues large enough to stage a production of this scale, and the Civic Centre was unable to provide raked seating.

“George is growing and hosts a pool of incredible creative talent. Perhaps it’s time to consider supporting the growing arts and entertainment arena in George,” she concluded.

Scenes from the performance of Narnia: A Tale of Three Acts.