VR Theatrical’s musical adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince returns to Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre in Johannesburg from 26 February to 21 March 2027. Directed and adapted by Elizma Badenhorst, with original music by Wessel Odendaal, the 60-minute production uses puppetry and shadow theatre to tell the story of a pilot who meets a young traveller from another planet.
First published in 1943, The Little Prince has captured the hearts of generations and been translated into more than 250 languages. Its story begins when a pilot encounters a mysterious young prince from a tiny, distant planet. As the prince recounts his travels through the universe, he reveals the curious ways of grown-ups and reminds us that the things that matter most are not always the things we can see.
For children, this is an invitation to explore strange planets, meet extraordinary characters and let their imaginations take flight. For adults who remember the book, it is an opportunity to return to a much-loved story with fresh eyes, perhaps discovering something in its pages that they did not quite understand as children.
“There’s a man in The Little Prince who’s so busy counting the stars that he owns, that he never looks up to enjoy them. A child can see straight away how ridiculous that is. As a grown-up, I find myself laughing and then wondering how often I do much the same thing. That’s why we wanted to bring this story to the stage now. So much of family life is spent getting to the next thing. For one hour, children and grown-ups get to sit side by side, travel to another planet together and argue all the way home about which of them understood it better.”
– Jaco van Rensburg, Executive Producer
This new adaptation brings the story to life through original music by Wessel Odendaal and is adapted and directed by Elizma Badenhorst. The production incorporates shadow theatre and the intricate artistry of Japanese Bunraku puppetry to create a distinctive theatrical experience.
Drawing inspiration from Saint-Exupéry’s original illustrations, which leave the pilot’s appearance to the reader’s imagination, Elizma Badenhorst reimagines the iconic Aviator as a woman, offering a fresh perspective on this timeless encounter.
The production features Noluthando Mathebula as The Little Prince, Tamith Hattingh as the Aviator, Kaylee Mcilroy in the female ensemble and Enzo Cocciante in the male ensemble. Together with a talented creative team, the cast creates a theatrical world where puppetry, movement, music and storytelling meet.
Tender, funny and full of wonder, The Little Prince is a reminder to stay curious, look beyond appearances and make room for the things that give life meaning. Whether this is your first meeting with the Little Prince or a long-awaited reunion, come and experience a familiar story in a way you have never seen it before.
Johannesburg Performance Details
Dates: 26 February – 21 March 2027
Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, Johannesburg
Tickets: From R150
Secure your seats through Webtickets:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1603584449
School and group bookings: Discounted rates are available for schools and groups. For school and group bookings, contact Geraldine on 011 511 1988, Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00.
Running Time: 60 minutes, no interval
Recommended Age: 8+
