Ogre with a heart of gold

The Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein started their run of the highly anticipated show Shrek: The Musical.

Based on the popular 2001 movie, Shrek the show tells the story of a homely ogre who, in an effort to win back his swamp, travels through a fairy tale kingdom with an annoying, talking donkey to bring back a princess to a scheming lord who wishes himself king.

The cast was one of the production’s strongest points with the titular role of Shrek played brilliantly by Andile Magxaki, who provided an authentic presence and convincing Scottish accent. While Roosevelt Park’s very own Jo-Ann Mauza also played various roles, including Papa Bear, a Duloc citizen, and a rat.

Notable performances included the annoyingly humorous ‘side-kick to the very end’, Donkey who was played with ease by Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri. While the role of Princess Fiona was played by actress Jana Louw, who easily swayed the heart of every audience member. Other performers involved were Thiart Li, Kyra Jessica Green, Pasela Makhalima, Christopher Vale, and Jessica Willmore.

The production made use of creative sets and lively music to create an experience of fun for the whole family to enjoy. The actors occasionally interacted with the audience, which added a little bit of that theatre magic which other art mediums cannot do.

One of the co-directors Jill Girard said, “The general difference between a movie and theatre is immediacy. [Theatre] makes it real for the child,” she said.

Girard explained that the production’s life-lessons are very important to young and old. “The play aimed to teach its audiences that it [is] truly about who you are as a person and not what people make you out to be,” she concluded.

The production will run until 1 August.

Details: The Peoples Theatre 011 403 156.