The Cabaret For Bookworms: Damsel in Distress

The latest production from the award-winning Wela Kapela Productions, Damsel in Distress is an entirely original solo cabaret playing for two shows only this September.

Following a young librarian and her quest to conquer her past troubles, the production stars acclaimed actress Kiruna-Lind Devar (Mamma Mia!, Chicago) as the titular damsel, with her performing plenty of fan-favourite songs throughout. Audiences are warned that the show tackles intense themes of femicide and GBV.

More about Damsel in Distress

Following the story of an avid bookworm who has traded seeing the world for reading about it in her favourite books, Damsel in Distress’ Griselda has her world shaken by the introduction of the Mr Darcy-like Edward Pamment. Slowly diving deeper into her difficult past and the realities of gender-based violence, the show proves to be a hopeful adventure in learning how to cope and move on after troubled times.

Damsel in Distress features many beloved songs, including I Love Paris (famously sung by Frank Sinatra for 1960’s Can-Can), Mein Herr from Cabaret, Cher’s Bang-Bang, The Windmills of Your Mind, and the 60s feminist anthem You Don’t Own Me.

The show marks many firsts for Wela Kapela, the stars on stage, and those off it. It’s the first solo cabaret by multi-talented singer and actress Kiruna-Lind Devar, most well-known for playing Roxie Hart in Chicago and Sophie in Mamma Mia!. Sam Riedel acts as both musical director and the live pianist, while the award-winning young actor Daniel Anderson, who recently starred as van Gogh in Vincent – His Quest To Love And Be Loved, takes the director’s seat for the very first time.

The show is written by Wela Kapela’s founder, Amanda Bothma, who has recently worked on acclaimed productions of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Vincent. Musical theatre lovers can catch a glimpse of rehearsals of Damsel in Distress on YouTube.

Get tickets

For musical theatre fans, Damsel in Distress presents the opportunity to watch several up-and-coming, award-winning artists and performers bring an entirely original work to life.

Cost: R220 per person. Book now on the website.

When: Friday & Saturday, 18 & 19 September 2026 | 7.30pm (Fri) | 3pm (Sat)
Where: The Drama Factory, 10 Comprop Square, Henry Vos Close & Asla Cres, Somerset West Business Park