RAFIEK MAMMON
LEVINIA, also fondly known as Liewe Heksie, turns 53 this year. In honour of this, and to pay homage to the writer, Verna Vels, who passed away last year, Arena Production House has just staged the pantomime Liewe Heksie: Flower Power at the Bellville Civic Centre.
“She (Levinia) is an iconic character many of us grew up with. She is proudly South African, and to this day children still enjoy her and her friends’ antics,” says Margit Meyer-Rodenbeck, producer of the pantomime.
Meyer-Rodenbeck’s biggest challenge with this production is to “sell it” to Cape Town, as she recognises that the city does not particularly have a pantomime culture, but she believes that this one could go a long way to change that culture.
She explains that in Johannesburg, for example, people expect Janice Honeyman’s yearly pantomime over the Christmas season, which is traditionally the pantomime season.
With that in mind, Meyer-Rodenbeck challenges all ages “three to 83” to be entertained by a well-known children’s story adapted with a modern twist.
“The pantomime as a genre is actually for adults, but kids love it too, because they recognise the characters and the show is pacey and colourful. It is a very rewarding genre for everyone involved, whether on-stage or in the audience. Verna Vels wrote her characters with such compassion and universal humour that the Liewe Heksie series is extremely suited to pantomime,” explains Meyer-Rodenbeck.
She and well-known comedy actor and television host, Francois Toerien co-wrote the script, which she believes is very different to the usual text for a musical or a stage play.
“I have written several children’s plays, but this was my first pantomime and there is a huge difference. In the traditional pantomime there are several elements that the audience expects: for example, the big dame, who in our case is Geraldina Geelheks played by Loukmaan Adams sporting a legendary beehive and high heeled shoes. This sight alone is worth the admission fee,” says Meyer-Rodenbeck.
She continues: “Remember with pantomime, it is like anything goes. Animals can talk. The fantasy world is alive and kicking. There is compulsory audience participation. All the actors must sing and dance. There is political satire and commentary on topical issues among a host of other things.”
Meyer-Rodenbeck also plays the role of Levinia, the lead character. Just how much of a challenge is that for an actress since the character is such a household name?
“I have portrayed this character on and off for nearly 20 years and it still remains a huge honour, and always a challenge. And no, she is not stupid like many make her out to be; she is just lovably naive and has the biggest heart imaginable. For this show I had to up her energy and tempo, because with pantomime, timing is everything. And, if you want to take your audience on a rollercoaster ride, there is no time for slip-ups. Pace, timing and slickness are key elements to a successful pantomime.”
Lizz Meiring, who has to date directed 19 pantomimes, was in the director’s chair for the latest production, while the role of the Fairy Queen was portrayed by Zanne Stapelberg and Hannes Van Wyk in the role of King Rosekrans.
The show had a sold-out run at this year’s Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn.
Says Meyer-Rodenbeck: “People enjoyed it so much, that some came back for a third and a fourth time within a period of one week.”
The pantomime travels to Innibos and the Vrystaat Kunstefees next.
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