Meet The Director Of Next Year’s Production Of Mamma Mia

She was involved in Griffith’s productions of Wicked, Legally Blonde and The Wedding Singer, and Leeton’s Henry V.

Now she has landed the role of Director of next year’s production of Mamma Mia, where she will lead the production team to bring the popular musical to life.

Director Oumi Karenga-Hewitt said her vision for Mamma Mia was not just about delivering a joyful, high-energy production but also about creating an inclusive environment that welcomed people of all backgrounds and skill levels.

“Community productions are about more than performing - when I auditioned for Wicked, I was still new to town and was so nervous, but the people I met during that show are amongst my closest friends 10 years later.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life.

“When we share something with others, we feel like we belong and for me arts is at the core of that”, she said.

Ms Karenga-Hewitt said that productions like Mamma Mia were good for the community.

“Storytelling through music, dance and theatre has a way of connecting people,” Ms Karenga-Hewitt said.

“The cast, crew, audiences and community always get behind the musicals and come out in force to support everyone involved.

“Griffith is a thriving place in so many ways and community productions, just like sports and special interest groups, gives people a chance to enjoy a shared interest beyond the day to day.

“It’s not about competition or being the best - a production like Mamma Mia involves a wide range of people, not just performers - everyone working together to share something with the community.”

Ms Karenga-Hewitt brings a unique set of skills to the Director’s role.

“I’ve worked on shows both on and off stage, so I can see how different elements of a production come together to showcase one vision,” she said.

“I also love looking at the potential of people, really taking them as who they are today and finding a way to help them achieve something they might not have thought possible.

“A lot of performance comes down to confidence and using the skills you already have to make a performance believable and engaging.

“Dreaming big can also help because when we’re talking creativity and performance, the only limits are what you set yourself.

“Throw all the ideas at the wall and then figure out how to make it work.”

A lot of planning and organisation goes into directing a production such as Mamma Mia, according to Ms Karenga-Hewitt.

“It’s bringing people together with different skills and figuring out how the pieces fit together,” she said.

“I need to help bring the music, choreography, acting, costume and staging together into one (hopefully seamless) experience.

“First, you have to assemble a production team and figure out the best ways to work together.

“Working backwards from the show dates, we break down the script and score and plan auditions and rehearsals.

“Once we have the cast, band and crew in place everyone works hard to do their role to the best of their ability, because realistically we all have lives - work, family and friends and this should be something that adds to our lives, not takes away.

“The most important thing for me is making sure everyone involved has a great experience and that they feel valued for what they bring and how they work as a team.”

Ms Karenga-Hewitt hopes people involved in the production will take away new friends, skills and a desire to participate in and support more creative opportunities locally or further afield.

“Unfortunately, accessible arts and cultural activities can be really hard to find for regional people and tend to be first on the chopping block when budgets are tight,” Ms Karenga-Hewitt said.

“But we saw during COVID how important arts were in helping people navigate a really hard time.

“We watched TV and movies, we listened to music while baking banana bread, we read stories, listened to podcasts, we had virtual dance parties and we sang on balconies.

“I think creative expression, and spaces that give you a place to exercise that are magical and can positively impact every area of our lives.

“We all hold things inside so I hope after Mamma Mia, everyone in Griffith has at least one ABBA song that they can screech in the car - sometimes you just need to sing it out.”

Over the past decade, Ms Karenga-Hewitt has been actively involved in Griffith’s creative scene,

known for her dedication to nurturing local talent and creating meaningful, community-focused

projects.

She has served on the board of Western Riverina Arts and has been involved with local

theatre group, GRAPA, and in the productions of Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream,

Vintage Voices, and The Crucible.

She was selected to lead local performance and writing workshops with NIDA Connect, produced the Griffith Screen Industry Forum, worked on TEDxWagga Wagga as Stage Manager, and co-produced Lords of the Soil, a short film shot in Griffith and Darlington Point. She also supported the Moorambilla Voices team at the 2023 Griffith workshops and as a camp supervisor.

Ms Karenga-Hewitt wants to emphasise that there is opportunity for everyone to get involved.

“You don’t have to be the best singer, actor, or dancer to be part of this production.

“We’re looking for people who are willing to have fun, work hard, and be part of a team.”

Theatre Manager Marg Andreazza said “they were pleased Oumi would be directing the production next year.

“She brings so much enthusiasm, as well as experience in nurturing creative talent,” Ms Andreazza said.

Mamma Mia is set to hit the stage in September 2025, with auditions in February 2025.

Expressions of interest are currently being accepted at https://griffithregionaltheatre.com.au/mamma-mia

Contact Marg Andreazza on 6962 8469 or at margaret.andreazza@griffith.nsw.gov.au or email Oumi Karenga-Hewitt at mammamiagriffith@gmail.com.

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