Meet the Stars of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Remember the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ with the Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp? Did you enjoy it? Well, here’s some good news. A theatre production of Charlie’s adventures will take place at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN) on 10, 11 and 12 April and you’ll be able to watch it live!

Did you know that ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is actually a book? It was written in 1964 by children’s author Roald Dahl and since then, it has been adapted into numerous films around the world.

The musical features College of the Arts (COTA) African Performing Arts (APA) graduates and five pupils from Van Rhyn Primary School who were lucky enough to surpass the grilling auditions. These pupils, along with 25 others, went to Zimbabwe for a two-week long cultural exchange programme along with a sister organisation of ChiNamibia called CHIPAWO Zimbabwe to perform.

For those who aren’t aware, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is about a poor young boy named Charlie Bucket who is fascinated with the celebrated chocolate factory in his home town. The factory is owned by the crazy Willy Wonka and one day, he reveals in a newspaper that there are five hidden Golden Tickets in five chocolate bars worldwide. Whoever finds them will be granted a tour of the factory and a lifetime supply of yummy delicacies. Charlie is lucky enough to find one along with four other bratty kids named Augustus Gloop (a highly ravenous child), Veruca Salt (a spoilt young girl), Violet Beaugarde (a record-breaking gum chewer) and Mike Mobile, the Namibian version of Mike Teavee, who is obsessed with playing games.

“’Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is one of the best children stories ever written. We actually discussed it in the 1980s and finally brought it to life this year. It celebrates good behaviour and I thought the timing was right, especially with the 25th anniversary of the NTN,” Sandy Rudd said about the anticipated production. “My students are like my grandchildren and I would like to showcase these very talented children’s skills.”

To act, especially at a young age in Namibia, is a very hard task but with the right teachers, the right equipment and loads of training, it will be easier to make it in the film industry. It requires dedication and passion as well, because if your heart is not in what you are doing, you will not be happy or satisfied either.

Remember to believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

The production promises to be a lively, entertaining and enthralling one with an interesting Namibian twist that everyone can relate to.

Tickets cost N$25 for kids while adults have to fork out N$50. On 10 April, invited schools have been scheduled to watch the musical at 09h00 and 11h00 but at 19h00, it is open to the public. The same arrangement will be made for 11 April as well.

On the last day of the production, a matinee will take place at 10h00 and the public can watch the musical for the last time at 19h00.

interviewed the stars of the production ‘Charlie and the Factory’ and this was what they had to say.

It was an extraordinary experience and it taught me that I can do whatever I want. Dreams definitely come true!

Don’t worry about what other people say. If you say you can’t do it, then you won’t go far. You can achieve things if you know where you want to go.

Miss Vateru came to our school and after the audition we went to Zimbabwe to perform a Christmas show. It was exciting because we sang, danced and read some poetry.

I improved in many things. I know my actions now like how to interact with people and never to be shy. I really learnt a lot and there are two important things I would really like to share. Always take your school work seriously and be confident in everything you do. Those two rules have helped me a lot. I am really looking forward to acting in another play in the future.

Miss Sandy is a wonderful teacher and she taught us not to be shy and to be brave. I am really looking forward to acting in other plays.

Auditions were tragic! From that experience I really learnt that good things come with hard work. It was exam time and it seemed tough but we managed to achieve what we wanted. It was nice, we got to learn from each other and also help each other where it was needed.

In the beginning, I didn’t realise my talent, but after I received many comments about my acting, I see that I am capable of anything and dreams can come true. If you dedicate yourself to what you are doing, anything is possible!

When it comes to acting, you need to show people who you are so that people know you. When it comes to school, make sure that you’re smart, get certificates and please the principal!