GEORGE - This upcoming Saturday evening, 9 April, “The Syringa Tree” will be performed at the George Arts Theatre at 19:30.
It is a one-woman show written by Pamela Gien, about a young white girl who grows up in the apartheid era.
The show is performed by Nancy Rademeyer and she plays 24 different characters.
“This tour-de-force is a great production for students who are learning about apartheid, English literature and dramatic performance,” said director Jeff Brooker.
“During its run at the National Arts Festival, the production had multiple block bookings from schools and the feedback post-performance was that it was both engaging and informative for both the students and teachers. The ages of students ranged from Grade 6 to Grade 12.” The performance also received a Standard Bank Ovation Award in 2019 at the National Arts Festival, and was then invited for a run at The Drama Factory in Cape Town. Book a seat for R120 per person at Computicket or the George Arts Theatre on 044 873 3938.
Storyline
Elizabeth Grace is a privileged young girl growing up in Johannesburg. After her nanny, Salamina, gives birth to a daughter, Elizabeth and her family take responsibility for keeping the baby hidden. As the story progresses, she begins to learn the harsh realities of the country she lives in - a shocking repulsion from the innocence of childhood to the cruelty of growing up.
Spanning several decades, The Syringa Tree tells the dramatic, heart-breaking and inspiring tale of a young woman's journey into adulthood. In this show, six-year old Grace and 23 other characters are all played by one actor, Nancy Rademeyer.
The Syringa Tree by Pamela Gien was first performed in 1999. It is set in 1963, and now finds its revival in 2022. Yet, despite years of separation, it remains as relevant on its twenty-third anniversary as when it was written.
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