The Syringa Tree
Written by Pamela Gien
Directed by Debra L. Freeberg
In the Gezon Auditorium
On April 23, 24, 25 and 30, May 1, 2
At 8:00 p.m.
Overview
The Syringa Tree is much more than just a memory play. It is a powerful, deeply moving story of an enduring love between two South African families beginning in the early 1960s—one white, one black. Two young women growing up in the same South African household experience and witness numerous acts of aggression, sacrifice, and love. Spanning four generations, the story is told through the perspective of Elizabeth Grace. First as a six year old child, and then as an adult with a daughter of her own, Elizabeth tries to make sense of the chaos, enchantment, and danger of South Africa.
Winner: OBIE Award for Best Play, Drama Desk Award, Drama League Award, Outer Critics' Circle Award
The Syringa Tree is not suitable for young children.
The Cast
- Elizabeth Grace, 6 to adulthood, white, English South African
- Leighanne Sturgis
- Loeska (Lucia) Hattingh, 8, Elizabth’s friend next door, Afrikaans
- Kaile Steen VanOene
- Salamina Mashlope, 39, Xhosa, Grace family maid, nanny to Elizabeth
- Cheryl Brown
- Eugene Grace, early 30s, Elizabeth’s mothern
- Emily Howell
- Dr. Issac Grace, late 30s to 70s, Elizabeth’s father
- Chris Hageman
- Moliseng Elessebett (Elizabeth) Mashlope, Salamina’s child, birth to 14
- Anica Jeremie
- Iris Kgobane, 19, Sotho, nanny to Elizabeth’s new baby brother, John
- Erika Faasen
- Peter Mombadi, 40s, Grace family driver
- Chandler Bland
- Zephyr, late 60s, Zulu, Hattingh family gardener
- Benjamin David
- John Grace, infant to adult, Elizabeth’s baby brother
- Branden Rudie
- Dominee Hattingh, 52, Dutch Reformed Minister, father of Loeska
- Andrew Szobody
- Pietros, Sotho, Grace family help
- Chandler Bland
- Dubike, Salamina’s very old cousin
- Mark Jackson
- Matron Lanning, Baragwanath hospital matron
- Kendra Wassink
- Young Doctor, at Baragwanath hospital
- Branden Rudie
- Granny Elizabeth, early 70s
- Kaile Steen VanOene
- Grandpa George, 82
- Buck Weglarz
- Sargeant Potgieter, a police officer
- Branden Rudie
- Father Montford, a Catholic priest
- Andrew Szobody
- Andrew, Elizabeth’s American husband
- Chandler Bland
- Mrs. Biggs, spry for her 70s
- Kendra Wassink
