Miss Fifi Pounces on the Olive Tree
Written by: Jessica Hallam
Miss Fifi Purrfect Adventure is more than just a Musical, it is continuing the legacy of a dear friend of mine Silvia Duran. Through the arts she wanted to educate humanity of the importance of ecology, protecting our precious planet, and living with compassion in your hearts. Portrayed by an innocent, playful, and adventurous black kitten named Miss Fifi, this story is to awaken the hearts and minds of all children young and old.
But who is Miss Fifi?
Miss Fifi was born on Saint Jordi’s Day, 23rd of April 1989. A holiday celebrating love is when a rose is given to loved ones. Her Partner Alan Jacobs saw this hours-old kitten abandoned under an old shed illuminated by a ray of light. He then rescued her from life on the streets to then be cuddled and taken care of by Silvia. Fifi never left Silvia’s side and became her Kitten Muse where close to 100 illustrations were inspired and created.
How did this come about?
In 2017, I was sipping jasmine tea with Silvia when she pulled down from her shelf an old black leather portfolio, that unbeknownst to me would change the course of my future. Silvia opened up her portfolio to awaken this beautiful black kitten who had needed to snuggle inside for close to 20 years! Silvia revealed to me that it was her choice to be the one to rouse this sleepy kitten. She then shared with me the story of Miss Fifi who is a cosmic kitten, lives in the silver crescent moon, swings from the stars, and travels on a shooting star to earth to make friends. In her innocence, she meets the legendary White Lion who reminds us that with his mythical powers, the answer to saving this precious planet is in our hearts.
I listened and looked and Silvia and knew we had a story to share.
Collaborating with students Manu Velasquez and JP Costa from the Institute of the Arts Barcelona, we composed, wrote, and devised an original musical titled “Miss Fifi Cosmic Kitten”. After 4 months of work, it premiered on October 29, 2017, at El Retiro Theatre in Sitges Spain. It was a great success and Silvia was able to witness her dream come true. After the closing of the show, we decided to continue with the book and piece it together so we could continue sharing the story of Miss Fifi.
Unexpectedly and without any warning, Silvia was called to her resting place only 15 days after the musical premiered. Though we were in the final stages of the book, I knew it was my mission to continue with the promise I made to her. Guided by a feline force from up above, I collected all of her illustrations and unfinished book, flew to Los Angeles and self-published Miss Fifi Cosmic Kitten.
With the book and Musical in my hands, I know it was time to get this story purring. In June 2018, I contacted Claire Foreman from the Olive Tree School and proposed my story to her performing arts club. Claire cradled my proposal with open arms and offered me the position to not only premiere Miss Fifi Purrfect Adventure but to launch a Junior Musical Theatre group for the primary school. I was absolutely thrilled and honoured to see Miss Fifi pouncing out of my lap and into the hearts of young children. For 4 months we rehearsed and through enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work these children ultimately gave me the gift in keeping the legacy of Silvia alive. I couldn’t have been more proud and grateful in choosing such a purrfect school to collaborate with.
THANK YOU OLIVE TREE SCHOOL!