Talented multi-media designer, Margie Walter, of Iziko Planetarium, recently entered the International Planetarium Society’s scriptwriting competition and came away with the lion’s share. For the second time, Margie was awarded first prize in this prestigious competition funded by the Eugenides Foundation in Greece. The award was announced at a gala dinner in Chicago this month.

Her winning entry ‘Michael Lion and the Star Pictures’ tells the story of a toy lion who undertakes a journey into space and learns both the factual and mythological stories behind the constellations.

Written in 1998 – although it has only now received international recognition, ‘Michael Lion’ began as a public show but has become a hot favourite amongst school children.

Also in 1998, Margie, who has conceptualised, scripted and illustrated no less than twelve Planetarium shows, won first prize for her engaging show ‘Davy Dragon and the Planets’. Like ‘Michael’, ‘Davy’, began as a public show and is now in regular demand by schools. Furthermore, ‘Davy’ has gone international: not only is it available as a Xhosa show, but the little green creature has spread its wings and flown! Today, translated versions of ‘Davy’ are enjoyed by audiences as far afield as Japan and
South America.

CEO of Iziko Museums, Prof ‘Jatti’ Bredekamp, CEO stated that Iziko was indeed privileged to have a scriptwriter of Margie’s calibre. “In the African century,” said Prof Bredekamp, “Margie has shown both adults and children how to see the southern skies differently. This is the stuff our professionals are made of!”

As this is only the second time Margie has entered the competition, it seems she’s certainly giving the critics the right stuff.

For more information on the Planetarium’s school and public programmes, call 021 481 3900 or visit www.iziko.org.za.

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