St Mary's School Calne
A Magical Experience
A story is a story, and you may tell it as your imagination and your being and your environment dictate. If your story grows wings and becomes the property of others you may not hold it back. One day it will return to you, enriched by new details and with a new voice.
‘Madiba Magic’, a selection of Nelson Mandela’s (Madiba being his tribal name) favourite stories collected from all over the African continent truly did become ‘the property’ of the LIV Form and they gave it a ‘new voice’ by creating a magical event.
The girls all gave strong performances and particularly memorable characterisations were given by Sophie as the Praying Mantis who so wanted to become a god, Lily as the endearing Fesito, determined to take his father’s produce to market and ‘ride like a man among men’, and Tilly as the daughter of the Sun who chose to become the Mother of Planet Earth.
Rebecca Spicer of the Art department, assisted by the girls, created amazing African masks. The simple yet effective set was painted by Sophia, India, Elizabeth, Lavinia, Merridith and Sophie from the UIV Form. Together with imaginative costumes and effective lighting, this created a stunning visual impact.
The magic of the evening was further enhanced by 'Kaya Drums', a group of professional drummers, who provided mesmerizing rhythms and sound effects.
Director Madeleine Hill from South Africa was delighted to share a taste of South African culture with St Mary’s Calne. She also had the pleasure of working with the talented actress Rebecca Cochrane Patrick, assistant director, who teaches LAMDA at the school on a regular basis.
On a poignant note, 'Madiba Magic' was dedicated to Martha Cole. Proceeds of the collection taken at each performance were in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
