We may be in lockdown but for Raglan teen Sasha Kirkwood the show must go on.
Now also known as Princess Aurora – from the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty – she’s busy reading bedtime stories to children and welcoming them into her kingdom, albeit from the back yard of her Norrie Ave home.
Sasha dons a wig of trailing ringlets, topped by her crown of course, before putting on make-up and a flowing pink costume for the complete princess look.
She then records her 10-minute videos – “mainly (of) singing in my garden” – which play for free on the Enchanted Entertainment NZ Facebook page now that the company’s usual bookings to perform at children’s parties and events have come to a temporary halt.
“It’s so much fun,” says the Raglan Area School head girl, who’s always been involved in music and drama. “And I’m getting my face out there.”
Sasha and eight fellow performers were asked by Enchanted Entertainment, who she’s worked part-time for since last year, if they’d like to be involved in the interactive video project during the four-week lockdown.
And this princess, who usually plays the role of Ariel or Elsa, was “happy to volunteer”.
Enchanted Entertainment says it’s all about “making magical moments” for children to enjoy online while they’re in isolation. The Hamilton-based company has thanked the nine girls for doing their part for the community “at this difficult time”.
Some of the videos are streamed live while others, like Sasha’s, are pre-recorded.
A Givealittle page has been set up if fans want to donate. Sasha understands any money raised will go towards a celebration of their volunteering efforts at the end of lockdown.
Meantime Sasha’s regular paid work at the local Four Square store has stepped up. Along with the 17 year old’s usual checkout and shelf-stacking roles, she’s now also helping make up the recently introduced online orders which are delivered to homes by Raglan Shuttle to minimise people contact.
While it’s no trouble to walk to work, Sasha sometimes drives which – as she’s the designated shopper – means she can bring groceries home to her own family ‘bubble’ which includes Mum Angela and twin brother Jack.
Around home they’re all doing more together, Sasha says. The twins share a love of music so they “jam” with Jack playing drums and learning guitar while she sings.
At Four Square Sasha’s impressed with the lockdown precautions in place – including the wearing of both plastic gloves and perspex screens for staff – and she reckons customers now are “more friendly” because of the coronavirus crisis.
“We are there for them,” she says of the shoppers. “We’ve got to stick together (as a community) and stay safe.”
Edith Symes
*Check out Enchanted Entertainment NZ on Facebook for Princess Aurora’s latest posts. And to donate go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/bring-princess-magic-to-the-children-of-nz.
