Paul Boekkooi
South Africa’s extended history of struggle to establish a true democratic society, has been strongly and very effectively reflected in various art mediums like theatre, contemporary dance, oratorio, song, the visual arts and film.
Against all expectations it was opera which, since 1994, became the most prominent medium through which our history could be recalled in the most spectacular way imaginable.
It not only revived the once meagre output of indigenous opera to its highest possible levels, but it also coincided with the advent of a renewed interest in this art form through many of our own so-called new-generation singers of colour whose success on overseas stages opened up many career opportunities for them.
Only weeks after Gauteng Opera presented their Cula Mzanzi production of three one-act operas in the Soweto Theatre during August, we were informed about the world premiere of a spectacular new full- length opera aimed for a run this month at Durban’s Playhouse.
Opera as a fringe art form is slowly but surely crumbling. Its direction is totally focused on becoming far more mainstream and marching across all prior cultural divides.
Ubuntu – The Opera promises to be spectacular and electrifying, while reflecting much of the grand opera tradition most opera lovers long for and want to see reinstated. Juan Burgers, a man who up to this point enjoyed a versatile career in music for decades, composed Ubuntu and wrote its libretto over the best part of a decade, giving himself the time to refine it as he went along.
It is a massive multi-disciplinary project involving Burgers in all aspects of Ubuntu’s musical direction. It is produced by Raphael Vilakazi, with David Krugel handling the stage and costume designs and the overall director and choreographer of the production.
With a wealth of new and established singing talent in the cast, they will join forces with Africa’s foremost symphonic orchestra, the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic, under the baton of Lykele Temmingh.
Funding for this historic world premiere was forthcoming from the National Lotteries Commission, while the opera is presented by Esayidi TVET College in collaboration with Bravo Africa Entertainment as a 21st anniversary salute to our country’s democracy.
Ubuntu is an opera in two acts and a prologue. It focuses on the key events in the years of struggle against apartheid, with Nelson Rolihlaha Mandela and Winnie Madikizela Mandela as the kingpins in its often dramatic unfolding.
Other famed struggle icons will also pass the parade. Among them we find Nkosi Albert Luthuli, Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki. A chorus of some 60 singers will give a powerhouse dynamic to the most dramatic crowd scenes.
Baritones Monde Masimini and Njabulo Mthimkhulu will share the role of Nelson Mandela, while the sopranos Nomsa Mpofu and Khumbuzile Dlamini will alternate as Winnie Mandela. Others in the cast include soprano Charlotte Mhlongo as Gaia, with Thamsanga Mqaba and Simphiwe Mkhatshwa alternating in the pivotal tenor role of Ubuntu. The role of Luthuli is shared by baritones Musa Ndadane and Thamsang Khaba.
There will be five performances of Ubuntu between November 17 and 22. Bookings: Computicket.