Experience Taryn Little-Viglino's transformative journey in 'WHO AM I?

Performing artist and registered counsellor, Taryn Little-Viglino will share her journey in her autobiographical play titled WHO AM I?, which will feature at the Artscape at the beginning of December.

Ms Little-Viglino, from Bloubergstrand, will play herself, and she is supported by Erin-Leigh Philander from Bridgetown, who will play a younger “Taryn”. Bethany Toohey from Athlone directs the production, which includes music and singing by Nadine Manuel from Lotus River.

WHO AM I? is also a fundraiser to support the Mater Domini Home for destitute pregnant women in Claremont. 

Ms. Little-Viglino said, "WHO AM I?" is an act of becoming. “It is about a woman who searches for her purpose in the shadows of loss and embarks on a journey towards healing and the reclaiming of her original identity,” she said.

Originally, Ms Little-Viglino was planning to do WHO AM I? as a one-person play in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic put her production on hold.  “Back in 2020, it was just me, trying to make it happen on my own, but now I have an incredible team of supportive sponsors who believe in the vision,” she said.

Ms Little-Viglino said she still maintained her strong connection to Mater Domini, who supported her during her time of need. “I believe my bond with Mater Domini is a divine partnership. When they opened their doors and offered shelter and counsel during my time of need, I vowed that I would someday return to give back,” she said.

Ms Manuel said she felt drawn to joining this production as she saw it as an opportunity to grow. “At the time, it felt like a door opening for a reason, even if I didn’t fully understand it. I wanted to challenge myself, be a part of something bigger, and follow where I felt led,” she said.

The director, Ms Toohey, said this play has given her the responsibility to nurture a narrative so that it can move past the confines of the stage. “It is not just to entertain the audience but inspire them to nurture the narratives around them and in their own lives,” she said. 

WHO AM I? will feature at the Artscape on Friday, December 5, at 7.30 pm, and on Saturday, December 6, at 3 pm. Tickets can be purchased on Webtickets.