2022 – Cape Town
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s iconic tale reimagined for the stage by Stephan Fourie — a vibrant feast for the eyes, taking audiences on a mystical whirlwind adventure as they discover the secrets of a mysterious hidden garden. A cast of 23 performers tell the story of orphaned Mary Lennox, who finds herself living in her cruel uncle’s manor, alone and frightened, yet stubborn as ever, as she explores the grounds and uncovers something magical. Amazon
Hema Maskowitz co-authored the adaptation alongside director Stephan Fourie, and served as lighting designer — working once again with a programmer and operator provided by the Star Theatre. Where Gatsby was built on heat, colour, and glamour, The Secret Garden demanded something altogether different: an abstract, atmospheric world held together by soundscapes, contemporary dance, and puppetry. Each element carried narrative weight — the dance sequences were not decoration but storytelling, the soundscapes created the world the set could only suggest, and the puppets gave life to characters that existed somewhere between the real and the imagined.
In his director’s note, Stephan Fourie described every element of the production as an act of love — and it shows.
Photography: Christoff Van Wyk / @superstof