The Broadway renowned award-winning production of Sarafina! will be showcased from the 14th to 24th June, a month dedicated to the youth, at Joburg Theatre.
SARAFINA AT MANDELA STAGE
This is quite special as the story as the play which depicts students involved in the 1976 uprising in Soweto. Over three decades ago, the legendary creator of a world class musical, Dr Mbongeni Ngema has basked in the glory and success of Sarafina! that has been redone and reworked all over the world. “It is befitting that South Africa’s most successful theatrical export is finally coming to the Mandela Stage at Joburg Theatre; a new generation of theatre goers will get to experience this rich musical legacy and re-ignite the believe within young people that South Africa is able to produce work that is amongst the best in the world”, says Makhaola Ndebele, Artistic Director at Joburg City Theatres.
TIMELESS CREATIONS
Dr Mbongeni isn’t surprised that Sarafina! still is a firm favourite and resonates with people. “Timeless works are never forgotten,” he says. The Durban born writer, lyricist, composer, producer and director was recently given a standing ovation in New York for a play he turned into a movie, Asinamali which is expected to be in South African cinemas in August. “It is gratifying to see that plays I worked on decades ago are still relevant today,” he says. Dr Mbongeni says South African stories are rich and many remain untold. “There is a lot of talent in our country and people in the world want to know these stories,” he says.
TALENT
In an interview with Move! Dr Mbongeni revealed an interesting fact about how he spots talent. For Sarafina’s auditions, he took his time to find the right people for the cast. In the heart of Soweto, in a the historic Orlando West he auditioned hopefuls who wanted to work with a legend in the arts. His selection process is particular, he admits to always being open to giving people a chance to prove themselves before dismissing them. “I was given a chance by Gibson Kente after I was so desperate to study his artistry. Had I not been given a chance by that great man, I would not be here today,” he says.