IMAGINE 12 disciples singing isicathamiya accompanied by a black Messiah spoting long dreadlocks.
This is what South African theatre lovers can expect when The African Passion premieres in Durban next month.
The African gospel opera production is an adaptation of the Passion of Christ expressed through African gospel songs.
Director Themi Venturas has tweaked the Christian story by placing it in the context of urban and rural Africa.
"In the same way that Jesus Christ Superstar used rock music to tell the story, this production will use South African gospel sounds," says Venturas.
He says some aspects of thestoryline resonate with contemporary South Africa.
The corrupt and greedy King Herod of biblical times can easily be compared to modern-day politicians.
Former pop diva turned gospel singer Sharon Dee will play the role of Christ's closest female companion Mary Magdalene.
Dee says she is excited and cannot wait for the show to open.
"I love theatre and as an artist I love trying different things. So this is an opportunity to prove myself as an artist," she says.
The opera will feature freshly-produced compositions by Phelelani Mnomiya, Anthony Govender and the group Young Mbazo.
Young Mbazo is made up of the descendants of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Young Mbazo member Babuyile Shabalala, who plays the role of Herod, says the play is a wonderful opportunity to interpret the gospel in an African way.
The opera will take place against a backdrop of "a striking audio visual setup with an African acacia tree in the garden ofGethsemane".
The cast of 21 will collaborate with local choirs from the areas they visit during the tour. These will include the Clermont Choir of Durban, the Moses Reid Memorial Choir of Mahikeng and the University of Johannesburg Choir, among others.
Bonginkosi Faca Kulu, who starred in the New York production of The Lion King, will play the lead role of Jesus.
For Kulu, playing Jesus will be a direct contrast to the role he played as a demon in the play Once in This Island in 1993. Kulu says he has been going through a process of spiritual cleansing in preparation for his role.
The African Passion will premiere at the Umlazi Oasis Fellowship Centre on March 14.
The production will then travel to seven venues across the country, including the Port Elizabeth Opera House, the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and the Soweto Theatre until the end of April.
Opera through African sounds
IMAGINE 12 disciples singing isicathamiya accompanied by a black Messiah spoting long dreadlocks.
This is what South African theatre lovers can expect when The African Passion premieres in Durban next month.
The African gospel opera production is an adaptation of the Passion of Christ expressed through African gospel songs.
Director Themi Venturas has tweaked the Christian story by placing it in the context of urban and rural Africa.
"In the same way that Jesus Christ Superstar used rock music to tell the story, this production will use South African gospel sounds," says Venturas.
He says some aspects of thestoryline resonate with contemporary South Africa.
The corrupt and greedy King Herod of biblical times can easily be compared to modern-day politicians.
Former pop diva turned gospel singer Sharon Dee will play the role of Christ's closest female companion Mary Magdalene.
Dee says she is excited and cannot wait for the show to open.
"I love theatre and as an artist I love trying different things. So this is an opportunity to prove myself as an artist," she says.
The opera will feature freshly-produced compositions by Phelelani Mnomiya, Anthony Govender and the group Young Mbazo.
Young Mbazo is made up of the descendants of the legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Young Mbazo member Babuyile Shabalala, who plays the role of Herod, says the play is a wonderful opportunity to interpret the gospel in an African way.
The opera will take place against a backdrop of "a striking audio visual setup with an African acacia tree in the garden ofGethsemane".
The cast of 21 will collaborate with local choirs from the areas they visit during the tour. These will include the Clermont Choir of Durban, the Moses Reid Memorial Choir of Mahikeng and the University of Johannesburg Choir, among others.
Bonginkosi Faca Kulu, who starred in the New York production of The Lion King, will play the lead role of Jesus.
For Kulu, playing Jesus will be a direct contrast to the role he played as a demon in the play Once in This Island in 1993. Kulu says he has been going through a process of spiritual cleansing in preparation for his role.
The African Passion will premiere at the Umlazi Oasis Fellowship Centre on March 14.
The production will then travel to seven venues across the country, including the Port Elizabeth Opera House, the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town and the Soweto Theatre until the end of April.
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