Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias a comedy by American playwright Robert Harling (born 1952). First performed in the WPA Theatre, Manhatten, New York on 21 March 1987. The story is confined to Truvy's salon, the regular meeting place for six disparate women whose camaraderie bridges age and status. Each is a survivor who is able to sustain her friends and herself with a mixture of laughter and steel.

Performance history in South Africa

1990: In South Africa the play was first performed in the Baxter Theatre on 14 May 1990, directed by Fred Abrahamse. Decor and lighting by Brian Collins, costumes by Ann Sharfman. The cast: Bo Petersen (Truvy), Michelle Scott (Annelle), Brenda Wood (Clairee), Ingrid Emslie (Shelby), Michele Maxwell (M'Lynn), Joy Stewart Spence (Ouiser).

1997: In 1997 the play was performed by students of the University of Stellenbosch Drama Department in the H.B. Thom Theatre, directed by Juanita Swanepoel with Stephanie Hough as Truvy. Set designed by Leopold Senekal.

2002: Staged by the KickstArt Theatre Company in December 2002 at the KwaSuka Theatre in Durban, directed by Greg King, with Kate Bruce (Truvy]), Olivia Borgen, Alison Cassels, Vera Clare, Susan Monteregge and Carol Trench.

2019: Presented by PEMADS, directed by Lesley Barnard at the Port Elizabeth Little Theatre. Starring Kerry Allen, Robin Williams, Vanessa Smith, Gemma Barnard, Yolande Farrow and Kasvia von Memerty

Sources

Programme notes

Cape Times, 16 May 1990.

Natal Witness, 14 December 2002.

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