Robinson Crusoe comes to rescue of city library

The panto was adopted from a book by the same name written by Daniel Defoe and first published in 1719.
The book is a fictional autobiography of the title character who spends 28 years on a remote tropical island encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued.
The book was turned into film for television and for the big screen. Crusoe has thus become to be known as the most famous shipwrecked man of all who meets a companion, Man Friday, on the island in an adventure that will leave you in stitches.
The panto stars Stephane Thomas as Crusoe and James Mukwindidza as Man Friday. It also features regulars such as Marc Thomas, Sue and Martin Bolt, Tim Harrap and Larry Greeff.
However, the Spanish Embassy said the funds raised from the sale of the tickets will go towards the restoration of the Harare City Library. The library needs to raise US$400 000 for restoration and refurbishment.
Since its establishment as the “Queen Victoria Memorial Library” in 1902, the Harare City Library has been one of the major places to find literature for both the general public and students.
Over the past decade, however, the award-winning building of the library has suffered severe damage and neglect. Its most serious problem is a leaking roof.
The Spanish Embassy cultural attaché, Marina Garcia, said the embassy had bought all the seats for the panto and will also supply drinks for the reception before the main performance.
She said tickets are US$15 and can be purchased from the embassy itself, at Artazania, Emma French Collection and The Bookseller at Doon Estate; Kiki’s and Totem Shumba Estate in Umwinsidale; Eaglesvale Preparatory School, Southerton; St John’s Preparatory School, Borrowdale; Mount Pleasant Branch of the Harare City Library; and at The Spotlight and Reps Theatre along Second Street Extension.
The panto was directed by Graham Crutchley with musical direction by Meg Mackenzie and choreography has been undertaken by Caroline Yule.
Panto is traditionally associated with Christmas entertainment and panto stories are usually adapted from children’s fairytales and story books. Wild and wacky adaptations and fun characteristics of pantomime, such as having a man play the leading female character, make it all the more popular with audiences of all ages.