It’s not easy to put on a drama production under the current COVID restrictions, but the Barefoot Academy did just that. The stage was placed under the cover of a huge Jakalberry and as the sun set, the intrepid band of drama and dancing students set about taking the audience away on a fantastical journey into the Fairytale Forest.
Due to the pandemic, the academy was unable to present this Fairytale Forest production in 2020. The pressure mounted and under great duress, the academy managed to accomplish the impossible most fantastically this year.
What a wonderful escape where we could all forget the pressures of everyday life and sit back and watch in awe as the story unfolded before our eyes. Blessed with an exquisite venue at the Blue Mountain Restaurant at the Blyde Wildlife Estate, all the boxes were ticked; a magnificent forest setting, shade for daytime rehearsals, food and beverages for the performers and audience, and best of all, a safe outdoor venue that conformed to all the COVID-19 conditions.
As the Director and Producer, Maureen Lahoud had a tough task on her hands – she had to separate each grade for teaching, limit the classes to SCS students only, teenagers had to meet at the Van Rensburg Hall and some dances had combined grades that only met for the first time on stage at the dress rehearsal! The amazing script was written by Melindi Randall, a local teenager. Cleverly put together and composed, it told the story of fairytale characters unhappy in their original stories.
They all sought refuge in a shoe, with an old lady whose children had left her. The wolf had been falsely accused of being bad, Jack (of beanstalk fame) had his Mother eating his goose, Goldilocks’ parents were getting divorced and she was being pressured to choose sides… you get the idea!
Starting from Grade 1, right up to Matric, the show featured forest fairies & elves, and trolls (Grade 3), witches, cats (Grade 4), wicked woodsmen and witches (Grade 5 & 6), a Mad Hatter’s tea party (Grade 7) and the featured Fairytale characters (College students). The wicked woodsmen and witches, who were allergic to harmony, threatened to destroy the peace at the sanctuary. However, the Fairytale outcasts, who felt their uniqueness was something negative.
“The fairytale story continued with push and shove and the clever intertwining of all the characters made one really consider the possible outcome of the plot”
However, the Fairytale outcasts, who felt their uniqueness was something negative, rallied, and in a team effort, created the strength to overcome the dark side.
It had a wonderful message of love conquering darkness and this was brought to life under the stars by the stars of the evening, who all performed with great gusto and enthusiasm. Personally, I loved the Trolls, some of whom had very itchy ears!
Maureen was clear that without help the production would not have taken place, and amongst the many, special thanks and gratitude must go to Andre Nel for hosting this beautiful production, Mr Viegas and the Southern Cross School for the loan of stage pieces, chairs, and personnel for stage setup and breakdown. Thanks to Tinus, the Blyde Wildlife Estate Manager, to all the parents who encourage their children to develop their creativity and confidence, always facing the onslaught of WhatsApp messages and requests to get their children ready and presentable for the shows.
But the greatest thanks must go to the dance & drama children, who made the show possible and wonderful, under difficult circumstances.
What a fantastic evening. What fun, what joy, what love, and what a success!
Well done to all.
