Vicky Stemmet: Paarl's own 'drama queen'
2011-06-23
Anne Kruger
THE Old Mill Theatre in Paarl has experienced a revival at the hands of theatre buff Vicky Stemmet - who is making a name as Paarl’s own “drama queen”. Vicky has been in charge of the tiny theatre in Mill Street for the past three years, running it on behalf of the Paarl Amateur Theatre Club. What started out on a small scale, when Vicky teamed up with drama teacher Celeste Slabber-Loriston three years ago to promote the theatre as a venue for performances, has now bloomed into a popular drawcard for local audiences. Says Vicky, “We started out at a bad time - the economy had ground to a halt, and the first things people cut back on in hard times, are red shoes and theatre tickets. “Initially, to fill the theatre, it was a matter of phoning friends and family.We are thankful that Paarl has supported our efforts. Nowadays artists are approaching us to perform in Paarl, and people are driving from places like Malmesbury, Ceres and Durbanville to attend shows.” Vicky. who lives in Kraaifontein, now runs the theatre on her own, as Celeste has moved to the Southern Cape. “It is basically now a full-time job for me and I love every moment, as I love people.” Vicky, who studied drama at Northlink College after a stint as a nursery school teacher, is married to a network engineer. “My husband is a great support to me, assisting me with the sound and lighting systems. He also constructed our website for us. My aunt and nephew also give a hand during shows. I couldn’t do it without the support of my family.” The publicity for shows is generated via press reports, the website, SMS and facebook. Now in her fourth year at the 100-seater theatre, Vicky finds that there is no shortage of artists who wish to perform in Paarl, unlike the first years when she had to work hard to fill the programme. Recently comedian Marc Lottering performed on two consecutive nights to a packed house, followed shortly thereafter by funny man Barry Hilton, whose Sunday afternoon show sold out in eight days. “Sandra Prinsloo’s show Die Naaimasjien also did well, as did Radio Kalahari Orkes, and Chris Chameleon.” On the programme next month is the popular comedy Die Ryk Weduwee with JohanNel and Elsabé Daneel, and a series of performances of the play Mis by Reza de Wet for school audiences. Now that the theatre operation is showing a profit, it will be possible to upgrade the sound system, says Vicky. The building, an old fire station, belongs to the Municipality. “Who says Paarlites don’t support theatre? People are very enthusiastic about the theatre, and I am thrilled to run it and bring good shows to the area.” Vicky cut her acting teeth on stage in children’s theatre, but also enjoys directing. She is currently studying creative writing and hopes to script her own kiddies’ theatre performances in the future. “Maybe one day we can even hit the road with our own Mill Theatre shows, who knows?” (Visit www.meulteater.co.za for more information on upcoming shows.)
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