Sindi Mavimbela was bitten by the theatre bug as a high school learner. Seventeen years later, her love for performing arts has been passed down to her daughter, who is set to take the stage for The Little Mermaid Jr by the Young Performers’ Project.
Durban, South Africa (30 March 2026) – Acting and stage presence run in the family for Durban mother-daughter duo, Sindi and Azania Mavimbela. The pair share a special connection through the same youth theatre project – 17 years apart!
Sindi, an alumnus of the Young Performers’ Project (YPP), is now watching her daughter follow in her footsteps. Azania will be taking to the stage for The Little Mermaid Jr. nearly two decades after her mother performed with the very same project.
Azania, a learner at Crawford North Coast, plays Flounder the fish. Other leads are Ariel, played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie), and Sebastian, played by Khethukuthula Ngcobo from International School of Performing Arts.
In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother, Sindi, a drama teacher, was bitten by the theatre bug as a high school learner acting in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, the story of Huckleberry Finn, directed by the project’s fabulous founder, the late Themi Venturas.
After YPP, Sindi pursued a career on stage – even travelling to China, working with Disney and participating in teen Idols and X Factor. She has remained in theatre throughout her career, now teaching drama to the next generation of aspirant performers.
Sindi’s daughter Azania, entered the YPP process seventeen years after she first performed with YPP, as a junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol last year, and so enjoyed it that she is back this year in a featured role.
Azania is loving her time with YPP, and plans to continue studying drama – but wants to incorporate her drama studies in the future, with medicine, specifically paediatrics, and use her drama training to better engage with young patients – like a modern-day Patch Adams.
“These stories are just joyous,” says YPP producer Des Govender,
“They are a testament to the organisation’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators and continue to work with young people in theatre. It is life-affirming and very exciting. Long may that continue!” says Des.
Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages – perfect for the youthful 50-strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers and 21 junior performers.
The stage production is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under-the-sea-inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.
Show Details
The Little Mermaid is showing at The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from 2 – 12 April.
The first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday, 2 April at 2.30 pm, where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed, and the performance is consciously calmed.
Scholars and pensioners 10% off any seats throughout.
The show runs for 65 minutes with no interval.
Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show.
Tickets are through Webtickets
Sources: Young Performers’ Project
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