A Parow theatre group will stage Heroes: Tribute to a soldier, a musical drama that tells the stories of two men: a World War II veteran with amnesia and an Angolan War veteran trying to forget the bloody horrors of the bush war.
Legend Productions founder Sean Dryden says the show explores the experiences of soldiers and the lives of the families they leave behind. And it does so with newcomers to the stage.
“We audition people who have never had an opportunity to be on stage,” says Dryden, explaining that his community-based theatre company, which he started in 2010, doesn’t just put on a show, it also gives those with a passion for acting a chance to show what they can do on stage.
“I have been performing for about 20 years but teaching and helping young artists to get their foot into the industry is my real passion,” he says.
Graham Ellis, from Constantia, plays the part of Graham Hawston, who loses his memory after his plane is shot down in Egypt.
Many years later in South Africa, he meets Angolan War veteran Aapie Booysen, and the two men share a special bond – one trying to remember, another trying to forget.
It’s while working as a street sweeper that Hawston is reconnected with a woman from his past who helps him piece together the missing pieces of his life.
Melvyn Abrahams, from Elsies River, plays the role of the Angolan War veteran, Aapie Booysen.
Abrahams says growing up with war veterans and listening to their stories helped him bring his character to life.
The company puts on one show a year, each with a different cast. Heroes has 35 actors of various ages.
The show runs at the Roxy Revue Bar, at GrandWest, from today, Thursday January 11 to Saturday January 20.
Tickets, priced from R100 to R150, can be booked through Computicket and are also available at the door.