Durban - Writer and music composer Leah Mari has earned a place in the spotlight with Janice Honeyman leading the way.
Mari has been selected for grants for development through a partnership between the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex in Gqeberha.
The inaugural Cabaret and Beyond Festival required participants to shine a light on musical theatre writing as a popular genre.
She will be mentored by South African director and theatre doyen Janice Honeyman in writing her music and a book.
Mari is doing her second year in musical theatre performance at the Luitingh Musical Theatre Academy in Cape Town.
She said having Janice Honeyman as a mentor was a great opportunity to improve her skills.
“Working with Janice was quite surreal. I grew up with her pantomimes and I remember telling her in one of our early Zoom meetings that I still remember one of her pantos on TV when I was a young child.
“Janice has given me valuable feedback and advice in my writing process.
“I’m originally from Durban, but in 2020 I began a BMus in jazz voice at Wits, and after three months of studying I was sent back home because of Covid.
“I then realised a stronger pull to musical theatre than jazz, so last year I moved to study at Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre,” said Mari.
She said her favourite song Play by the Book had a big impact in her winning the Cabaret and Beyond Festival.
“The song belonged to a show I had been working on for roughly four years, writing when I had a spare moment all throughout my high school career.
“When accepted to the project, all participants had to submit a proposal for how our submitted work could be developed further.
“I think one of the reasons I won was because I had the concept already finished in a first draft on hand.
“The show has come so far from the original draft I had submitted,” said Mari, adding that she was grateful for the opportunity given to her by CAB.
“Having work of mine being staged is unbelievable and is such a great opportunity. It is not common in South Africa for new writers to get their work on stage early in their career.”
Mari said she developed her love for music from her parents, both jazz musicians and educator.
“While other kids might have played with shapes and Lego, I would sit in my high chair at the piano just pressing random notes. Even though it did not sound pretty, it was fun for me.”
She said she was never afraid of taking risks and trying out new things.
“I’m extremely passionate about musical theatre and performance, and I’m always excited about stepping out of my comfort zone. Now there is a chance to develop a skill and push my limits,” said Mari.
The productions will premiere at the Mandela Bay Theatre Complex this month and run for a subsequent season in Durban.
The Independent on Saturday