The musical follows ‘pleasantly plump’ teenager Tracy Turnblad as she pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.
Mark Guthrie, the school’s head of department for arts and culture, and the director of the production said Hairspray was not only a high energy production, but a means to bring the community and school together. The musical portrays racial discrimination which Guthrie believes emphasises the 20 years of democracy in South Africa.
“As fun as it is, Fourways High is using this musical to educate not only the pupils, but also the prospective audiences on the history of racial discrimination,” he said.
The production has taken the school five months to put together.
“In the time that we have been working, the pupils have endured four hour rehearsals, three times a week,” Guthrie said. However, over the next few days leading up to the opening of the show the production staff, cast and crew will be going into overdrive, rehearsing almost everyday for seven hours up until the first show.
Guthrie added that the audience was the number one priority, and had been considered in every decision from seating arrangements to the most authentic meals and refreshments the school could supply.
“Audiences will see one of the best productions to date and should expect nothing less,” he said.
Details: www.4ways.co.za
