Meet Leah Mari: the musical marvel making waves in South Africa’s theatre scene
At 23, Leah Mari is carving a significant path in South Africa’s vibrant arts scene, embodying the incredibly dynamic spirit of musical theatre.
Born and raised in the coastal city of Durban, Mari’s artistic foundation was laid amidst the soundscapes of jazz music, thanks to her musician parents, Debbie and George Mari.
Her early musical experiences paved the way for a blossoming career that has already begun to flourish far beyond her hometown.
“I grew up with music all around me,” Leah recalls. “I learned to play my first instrument by sitting at the piano in my highchair.”
This whirlwind of sound generated by her family’s musical talents soon sparked her curiosity, allowing her to turn noise into melody.
By the time she was 11, her passion for songwriting blossomed into success, winning a competition with her composition that celebrated South African pride - a moment that she describes as a pivotal start to her career.
“For a while, I can imagine, it was just noise, but over the years, I began to make music. My parents and my sister, Ella, were crucial in my creative development as a child - they created a safe place for me to experiment and play, and now I get to call it my job!
“The plonking and picking at the piano soon started to develop into original songs that had structure and narrative lyrics.”
“When I was in Grade 5, I won a songwriting competition, South Africa Siyakhanya, organised by the Festival in the Hills. My composition was arranged by Ian Holloway and performed by the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Orchestra, sung by myself and a massed choir.
“This performance was conducted by Richard Cock. He then invited me to sing my composition again with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at the 23rd annual The Last Night of the Proms staged by the British Cultural and Heritage Association at the Playhouse Opera Theatre”, said Leah.
She said at that age, she had no idea what was to come, and that it certainly was the starting point of her career.
Fast forward to her matric year in 2019, Mari was awarded the prestigious Nedbank DALRO ACT Scholarship in the Musical Theatre category, fortifying her determination to pursue a career in the arts.
“I think my family and I always knew I would pursue a career in the arts. Wanting to pursue a path similar to my parents, they supported me all the way,” she said.
Following her high school journey, Mari initially enrolled in the Bachelor of Music programme at the University of Witwatersrand. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges.
This realisation led her to participate in the Project Performer National Online Lockdown Competition, which attracted the attention of the directors from the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) in Cape Town.
She was eventually awarded a scholarship to pursue her dreams at LAMTA, where she fully immersed herself in the world of musical theatre.
“However, I see it as divine intervention. I realised that while I loved the jazz program and the university itself, I missed telling stories. I missed acting and musical theatre,” she admits.
During her time at LAMTA, she was given training and mentorship by industry veterans, including practical theatre experiences at the famed Theatre on the Bay.
“It’s an environment where varied skills are nurtured to ensure that we graduate as ‘triple threats’,” Leah explains.
Her dedication during her three years of training culminated in a nomination for the Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for Most Promising Student in 2024.
Leah’s journey as a performer is closely intertwined with her belief in the transformative power of storytelling through song. She connects emotionally to music, often using it as a medium for healing and self-expression.
“When a character is moved and can’t articulate their emotions, they sing. I relate to that profoundly; I do the same when something’s touching me in life,” she shares.
Emphasising the significance of diversity in storytelling, Mari is committed to creating narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of South African identity.
Her one-act musical, “Call Me A Fool”, showcases the lives of a young queer couple navigating their journey without commodifying their identities, resonating with those who long for representation in theatre.
Leah has captivated audiences in various productions, including her professional debut as Maria in “The Sound of Music”, produced by Pieter Toerien Productions in collaboration with Cape Town Opera.
More recently, she took on the iconic role of Eliza Doolittle in the national tour of “My Fair Lady”, where she continues to receive acclaim for her performance.
As she revels in her current success, Mari is focused on her growth in the industry. “I’ve been so blessed with the roles I’ve played so far,” she reflects. "I look forward to new challenges as I explore more roles in musical theatre and film.”
For aspiring performers, Leah offers valuable advice: “This industry requires hard work, practice, persistence, and patience. Surround yourself with inspiring individuals and learn the importance of kindness in a community that thrives on collaboration.”