After a long absence from the stage Soyikwa is showcasing a large cast of some 25 professional and young up-and-coming actors and dancers, accompanied by a live band. The performers will dance and sing as they deliver insights and entertaining snippets about the colourful day-to-day scenes of life in Soweto.
Scenes from Soweto is written and directed by Jennifer B Logan, principal of the Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre. As principal she has worked with many artists of note who now work in the TV and theatre industries. She played one of the leading parts in the Disney musical
The Lion King in Los Angeles and she has worked with the legendary Miriam Makeba, Sipho Mabuse and other notable performers. “It is wonderful to be working on this production with Jerry Raletebele and with this supremely talented cast,” says an enthusiastic Logan.
Musical direction is by Mxolisi Khumalo, a talented young musician who won acclaim for his musical composition for Patrick Mdlalose’s
Silent Pain and Sexuality. Patrick Mdlalose and MIDM graduate Potlaki Mokhethi are the choreographers and will infuse the production with a distinctly ‘Soweto’ flavour. The production will also feature set and stage design by Karabo Legoabe, who has worked with Sarah Roberts; lighting design by Mojalefa Elijah Makgobenyane, a professional in his own right and the innovative costumes designed and made by Nthabiseng Makoni.
Scenes from Soweto is a musical journey that will take you through the day-to-day lives of people who live in Soweto; their daily journeys on buses, taxis, trains and on foot. From early in the morning when the women of Soweto come out to sweep their yards, to late at night when the whole of Soweto goes to sleep…
Scenes from Soweto will transport you to the South Western Townships where you, together with the performers, will experience and celebrate through music, dance and drama, the magic of Soweto.
Soweto has been deemed the ‘riotous’ township. But when you peel away the layers of youth riots, you come to the core of a people who survived to make history. A people who love life, fun, happiness and love. From Soweto came leaders and artists that made the world aware that down in the south of Africa there are people who love and enjoy life and happiness.
Scenes from Soweto will provide a true African musical experience with content that it is uniquely South African and will thrill, humour, awaken and educate you all at the same time.
Jerry Raletebele, the founder of the Soyikwa Institute and director of the Soyikwa Production Company says, “This is a show for those who are curious about Soweto, the individuals who have heard rumours about Soweto, but have never had them proved true or not. Rumours like, does Soweto have gangsters at every corner? Are there shebeens or taverns at every corner? Is there loud, blaring music coming from every house and are people having a good time at odd times of the hours?
Scenes from Soweto will put all these rumours to rest. “
The cast features the widely travelled and experienced Glen Gabela, most recently seen in
Umoja, but well known for his leading role in a 13-part TV drama
Ïnkom’edla Yodwa, where he starred alongside the late Henry Cele. In
Scenes from Soweto Gabela, as the narrator, will place you in the palm of his hand and carry you through the streets of Soweto and show you the happy faces, smiles, laughter and love of the people of Soweto. Also featured are Bright Mathonsi, Zizipho ‘Zee’ Mposula, Bongani Khumalo, Themba Kula, Mxegeni ‘Fresh’ Hlatshwayo, Lerato Makaane and Cynthia Magagula.
“Musicals offer a fun opportunity to showcase new talent and
Scenes from Soweto does just that. What better way to show life in Soweto than through the rising young stars of the township? The talent in this country is so enormous, I think audiences will be blown away by the vibrancy of
Scenes from Soweto,” says Raletebele.
Scenes from Soweto, a Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre production, is a show that has no age restriction and will appeal to the whole family. Performances are at the Wits Main Theatre, Jorissen Street, Braamfontein from Tuesday, 25 October to Saturday, 29 October at 19:00 and a matinee on Sunday, 30 October at 15:00.
Tickets are available at R80 and R50 for block bookings (10+) and pensioners. Booking is through
www.ticket.co.za and tickets can also be bought at the door.
Free parking is available in Senate House; the entrance is on Jorissen Street, Braamfontein
The Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre received its funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.