Theatre star hosts puppet workshop
A PUPPETRY masterclass hosted by a former Port Elizabeth theatre personality who has built up a flourishing international career will be presented in the Bay later this month.
Former Grey High School pupil Richard Vorster, a company member of the internationally acclaimed physical theatre production of War Horse, will present the not-to- be-missed workshop at Theodor Herzl High School in Walmer on October 15.
More than two million people have seen War Horse in London, with more than five million having seen the production worldwide since it opened in 2007.
Vorster, 27, is currently in Stoke-on-Trent in the UK with the production.
"Richard was a student of mine from about Grade 3 through to the time he left Port Elizabeth to go and study at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London," Bay stage doyenne Robin Williams, who teaches drama at Theodor, said.
"He played in many shows of mine as well as directing a play for Theodor when he was a few years out of school.
"He was in Sweet Charity, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Footloose, Guys and Dolls, and played Alan Strang in Equus. He was also in productions for societies like Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan."
Williams was thrilled with Vorster's involvement in War Horse, describing the play as "the most incredible theatrical experience I have ever had". She has seen it six times and will catch it again in Johannesburg in November, as War Horse opens at Montecasino in Johannesburg on October 22.
The production is presented in South Africa by Pieter Toerien, Rand Merchant Bank and the National Theatre of Great Britain, in association with the Handspring Puppet Company. Vorster's Port Elizabeth workshop will begin by exploring the principles of the Handspring Puppet Company, which created the world-famous puppets used in War Horse.
This will give participants an understanding of how objects can be brought to life and used in storytelling to enrich the visual scope of a piece.
As they develop their puppetry skills the group will work towards placing rudimentary puppets in various scenarios.
Participants will also gain insight into the rehearsal process used in War Horse.
No previous experience is necessary.
Williams said participants should come along prepared to engage as physically as possible: "Comfy clothing is a must; bring a bottle of water, a friendly smile and be ready to play."
The workshop will run from 2.30 to 5.30pm on Wednesday October 15 and the cost is R120 per participant. - Louise Liebenberg
For bookings e-mail:
