In celebration of the book’s 75th anniversary, the Alliance Française de Durban, the Durban University of Technology, and the French Institute of South Africa have collaborated to stage an African-inspired adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless masterpiece. This is performed by the Market Theatre Foundation’s theatre company Kwasha, which has toured South Africa with the show.
It is superbly staged with fantastic lighting, especially the sky full of stars, and music. The director is innovative in that he casts 4 people as The Little Prince. As each actor takes his or her turn, the others are choreographed seamlessly into the act. All of the actors move superbly which makes up for some muted vocal delivery.
The cast do a great job of getting the story across; this version being strong on the theme that adults should not lose sight of the fact that ‘things of consequence’ ie: work, money and ownership should not be allowed kill imagination as you grow into adulthood.
Tonight is your last chance to see it so I recommend that, if you are a fan of theatre and Saint-Exupery, you book a seat.
My favourites of Saint-Exupery’s quotes :
From the book :
“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.
And this one, from the Airman’s Odyssey, which will resonate with sailors :
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Thanks again for the largesse Sophie and Illa.
Ps – a shout out to the Alliance Française for their support of the arts. They stage a lot of cultural activities, many of which feature good food, wine and music.
http://www.alliance.org.za/pages/branches/durban/culture/what-s-on
