By Frederick Philander
WINDHOEK – The theatrical expression, break a leg, (and arm) became a rare, but painful reality for two dedicated actors of Committed Artists who each broke a limb during rehearsals of Papland.
Incidental or deliberate? No.
Actress Felicity Celento broke her right wrist on the evening of the Theatre Awards at the National Theatre of Namibia, just before she went on stage to collect an award on behalf of CAN for best costume, design and presentation for the play, Katutura ’59.
“I was so excited about the award I forgot the pain. It was only early the next morning that it was established that my wrist was broken after falling on the slippery tiles at the NTN,” said Celento.
Actor Richard Swartz inadvertently broke his right leg directing and acting in an educational AIDS puppet play, The Trumpet Player, to be staged in Namibian secondary schools in the beginning of 2008.
“I somehow slipped and broke some ligaments in my right leg, but I am already recovering and should be ready for stage action in early January,” Swartz was quick to respond.
Richard is now recuperating with his parents in Walvis Bay and Celento has resumed her duties as a bank manager in the capital after a week’s leave.