Tree goddess Mamma Boom teaches kindness

A MYTHICAL tree goddess named Mamma Boom has been visiting Durbanville Children’s Home and hosting theatre productions to teach the children about the importance of respect and kindness.

For more than 21 years, Martha Saunders, better known as “Soulvy”, has been an employee at the Home, which houses 144 children.

Described as the “Jane of all trades”, Soulvy said the idea of Mamma Boom was born when she found children harming a tree.

She asked them how “Mamma Boom” would feel if she saw what they were doing to the small tree?

Mamma Boom immediately became the children’s reason to care for nature in their vicinity.

“The children kept asking me where Mamma Boom was and when they were going to see her. This is when I realised I needed to bring this character to life. There were so many lessons she had to teach.”

Soulvy said the Mamma Boom productions would not have been a success without the help of her acquaintances, staff members and friends.

“She said all the props, the dress and Mamma Boom’s theatrical make-up were made possible through donations.

“The children were so excited and happy to see Mamma Boom, and hear the wonderful songs she sang.

“The children sang along, and were so eager to listen to the lessons she had to share with them.”

Soulvy said Mamma Boom’s most important message to children was that of kindness, love and compassion.

Make-up artist Caroline Fourie said she decided to contribute to the play after she heard the wonderful story behind the production.

“South Africa is a land of storytelling. We communicate through storytelling across a number of cultures. Mama Boom is a wonderful, colourful character, and my role was to bring this character to life for the children.”

Fourie said she was excited to work with Soulvy next month, when Mama Boom would host an anticipated Christmas-themed play.