HILTON ANTIQUESAn antique fair is held at 1 Hilton College Road in Hilton on the second Sunday of every month (May 12) from 09h00 to 16h00. For enquiries, phone Mrs Kleinhans on (0331) 43-4871. |
IN MEMORIAMRemembered for the many roles she played in the heyday of Napac drama, the well-loved Durban actress, Mary Harrison, died on April 17 after a long illness bravely borne. Mary, who is survived by her attorney husband, Eric Herr, was last seen on the Playhouse Opera stage two years ago in the musical, Showboat. This followed her success in the Pact production of the West End musical, Me and My Gal, at the State Theatre in Pretoria when her performance earned the acclaim of Gauteng critics. Mary was cast in Charley's Aunt, the 1995/96 festive season production at the Playhouse Drama, but had to step down for health reasons. This would have been her 37th produc-tion for Napac (now the Playhouse Company) since being cast in Let's Get a Divorce by John Moss. SHAKESPEAREAN Other roles thorough the years were in Shakespearean and modern plays, musi-cals and children's plays and, of course, a succession of John Moss pantomimes that swelled the Napac coffers. Recalling her many roles, Robert Cross, former director of Napac, says that, while Mary was unsurpassable in "high camp" comedy, she had a wider range than was often recognised. "Her Mrs Danvers in Rebecca, for example, was a genuinely-frightening portrayal of a psychopath that deserved more recognition than it got." But for whatever role she is remem-bered, Mary Harrison's death comes at a time when worthwhile theatre in South Africa can ill afford the loss of one so experienced and talented. ENTHUSIASM Known for her bright-eyed enthusiasm and ready smile - and to her friends as a warm and kind-hearted woman - Mary was born in Sidney and became involved in theatre more by chance than design. Her early interest in ballet paled when, as she told a reporter, "I found there was too much hard work". Singing followed ballet lessons and she was soon appearing in children's shows and pantomimes with the likes of English comic Georgie Wood. As the years passed she ventured successfully into musicals. It was the Australian production of the Lerner and Loewe musical, My Fair Lady, that brought Mary to South Africa in 1962. Her intention was to return home after the 18-month tour but she had made such an impact on South African theatre that she was persuaded to stay - literally as she boarded the plane. This was by Taubie Kushlick who signed her for a production of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit. Before settling in Durban Mary also often worked for Pieter Toerien and Hymie Udwin both in Johannesburg and on tour. A founder member of Durban Arts and strong supporter of D'ARTS, Mary will be sorely missed. ANC NOTHING!Only the inimitable Pieter-Dirk Uys could dream up a title like You ANC Nothing Yet! and lead the field in our newly-democratic freedom of speech for this show, now in its third year! No politician or high profile personality is sacred, e.g. Minister Zuma explains how to wear a R14 million condom? You ANC Nothing Yetruns in the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from May 13 to 17. Book at Computicket. |