Best-Selling SA Children's Book Turns into Exciting Theatre Production

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It is never too early to start planning school holiday activities; Mr Hare meets Mr Mandela has been turned into a production for children to enjoy this Spring!

Johannesburg, South Africa (02 September 2022) – Mr Hare Meets Mr Mandela is a best-selling children’s book written by the late Chris van Wyk. The heartwarming tale has been transformed into a theatre production just in time for the upcoming school holidays.

The late Chris van Wyk wrote the story, which then appeared in the Sunday Times Storytime: 10 South African Stories for Children. It was illustrated by himself and Paddy Bouma.

The story follows Mr Hare, who finds a R200 note belonging to Mr Mandela, or so he thinks. He ventures across the city to find Mr Mandela and give the note back to him. Along the way, he meets several people who all want the note for themselves.

As he goes along his mission, the note keeps changing colours. He never realises that because he cannot read. The story focuses on the importance of being literate, a cause very close to the late Nelson Mandela too.

“It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education. Those who do not believe this have small imaginations.” – Nelson Mandela

The Peoples Theatre believe in this message and has adapted the beloved book to the stage. Directed by Daniel Geddes, the cast of four dynamic, charismatic professional actors engage the audience with active participation, fun, comedy and adventures!|

Mr Hare meets Mr Mandela will be available for a limited season at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre & Studio, from Tuesday 27th September to Sunday 9th October 2022. The show will be an hour long without an interval.

“With a brand-new script, joyful music and characters aplenty, the show promises to be fun for the whole family, as well as teaching children the many wonders of stories and being able to read them. The moral of the story is that if we do not learn from our experiences, we are bound to repeat them, and poor Mr Hare believes it is fine to be illiterate.”

Take a look at the trailer for the show below. You can find booking information for schools here and for regular tickets, here.