Damsel in Distress

Damsel in Distress is a cabaret by Amanda Bothma.

Original text

Griselda, aptly named after the original damsel in distress in Chaucer’s Canterbury tales, is a librarian who also lives in the library. She has not left the building in a long, long time. Trapped by that dragon called fear she has long since traded life for the world of fiction. When faced with reality she opts out with “No thank you, I will rather just read my book. I might not be adventurous, but I am a librarian and I am proud of it!” With the recent global lockdown, it is easy to identify with Griselda and her fear of the world outside.

Performance history in South Africa

2021: Presented by Wela Kapela at the National Arts Festival, directed by Amanda Bothma. Musical Director/pianist: Nathan Johannisen. Starring: Alison Hillstead. The production won a Standard Bank Ovation Award.

2023: Presented again at the Alexander Playhouse.

Sources

https://welakapela.co.za/productions/

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