Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp will entertain and inspire
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp is set to be a unique production of size and quality rarely seen in South Africa.
One of the first stories that come to mind when we think of magic is Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp. Aladdin is a classic rags-to-riches story about a young hero, a beautiful princess and an evil villain, complete with genies, wishes and magic.
Since its first publication in 1704, this timeless story has been translated and adapted countless times.
Durban’s Astrid Productions is bringing a revitalised and epic telling of this classic from November 25 to December 4 to the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace.
You can now purchase tickets at Ticketpro.
More about the production
Based on an original text by Producer Anjil Naidoo, Aladdin has been reimagined for the stage by an international team of award-winning theatre artists and a cast of 20 of South Africa’s best young and established actors and dancers.
Director and dramaturge Glenn Hayden, playwright Lakhinandan Boruah, composer Pranashan Singh, choreographers Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa GopiKrishna and Disrupt Media have combined forces with Astrid Productions to bring to the stage a new production of truly epic proportions for South African family audiences.
“Aladdin is so much more than a ‘boy meets girl’ story with bad guys and magic,” said director Glenn Hayden.
“When researching the story, we found that there was so much room to adapt it for the 21st-century audience to remind us that basic themes of hope, dreams, love, respect and caring for each other are still qualities that we humans must retain to live full and happy lives.
“Add the artistry and vision of a creative team and you have a production full of colour, music and dance that reminds us that the magic is in us all.”
This new production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is the brainchild of producer Anjil Naidoo. During a life-threatening health journey (which she survived with flying colours), Anjil realised that creating world-class theatre for a family audience was something on her bucket list that was achievable and needed.
Determined to showcase the abundance of South African talent, Anjil wrote an original text of the Aladdin story and set about putting together a creative team of theatre professionals that would bring her vision to the stage.
“The skills I have acquired in business have led me to an understanding of what’s required to deliver a world-class spectacle. I am excited for South African audiences to see the hard work that has gone into bringing the classic of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp to life.
“This is especially exciting at a time when the arts are in such immense need of revival following the difficult times we have all experienced. I can’t wait for everyone to come out and enjoy the show.”
Following the birth of her dream, the search was on to put together the best cast possible who would bring Aladdin alive. Stars Vash Singh and Yasmin Hankel in the title roles of Aladdin and Princess Almas, who are supported by the talents of Belinda Henwood, Rowan Bartlett, Darren King, Tshediso Kabulu, Sanele Sibiya and an ensemble of dancers.
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp is set to be a unique production of size and quality rarely seen in South Africa.
With the inclusion of an original score, riveting choreography and a script that is fun, witty and heartfelt, it will be a production that no child, adult or theatre lover will want to miss.
