The search for the diamond in the rough comes to Fairland
Reddford House Northcliff enthralled audiences with their major production of Aladdin.
The city of Agrabah was recently reimagined on stage when Reddford House Northcliff hosted audiences to its major production of Aladdin.
It appeared on stage for three consecutive nights and each night’s search for the diamond in the rough seemed to get better and better. The production marked as the directorial debut of teacher Dylan Niemand. Though he has been part of all the school’s major productions since 2018, this experience was nerve-racking, but help from a good team made it easier.
For him it was all about the actors. “For a lot of them it is their first time – not only being on stage, but also learning what theatre actually is.”
He has always loved the theatre, and he thinks there a special place for the arts in today’s society.
To create their own sense of magic, they drew inspiration from the Broadway, animation and live action versions. “Aladdin is so iconic, everyone knows some part of it, and I hope we did it justice. We really tried to pull out all the stops,” said Niemand.
Playing the role of Iago, was Grade 5 learner Orefile Moloi – and those who watched her on stage would be surprised to find out this was her first big production role. “I love that my character is very talkative; I am very talkative myself, talking is one of my best hobbies in the whole entire world,” she said.
It was also the stage debut of Larona Sedumedi who played the lead role of Aladdin. He was quite proud to see not only himself but other cast members do great on stage. He had never considered that one day he would be on stage, at least not until his favourite teacher, the play’s director, suggested that he use his potential to light up the stage. The most intimidating aspect of the role for him was himself. “It is all a mental battle, before the curtain opens and even after it closes. When the lights are on you and the audience is just looking at you its terrifying at first, but once you get through the show it is amazing.”
James Keegan, the play’s main antagonist and villain, said “I had a lot of fun with this role, I had been waiting many years to play a villain role.”
He has been part of a few other major productions at the school, such as Alice in Wonderland, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, and most recently, Chicago. For him the best thing about being on stage is that it allows one to step into an entirely different world, one that allows him to immerse himself in all that art. His favourite Jafar depiction is of the original film.
This is the second major production for Kone Modiba, who played Genie. The Grade 9 learner said to get ready for her roles, she watches an array of portrayals of the character so she will know how to better make the role her own. “I also have a knack for learning lines and getting into character quickly. I have been on stage since I was about five years old, so the stage is just a place that feels like home to me.”
At the end of each show the audience was invited back stage so they too could experience the magic of theatre for themselves.
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