The cast for Big Wig Opera’s La Bohème is: tenor Stéfan Louw as the poet Rodolfo, soprano Natalie Dickson as the seamstress Mimi, baritone Aubrey Lodewyk as the painter Marcello, soprano Magdalene Minnaar as the singer Musetta, baritone Siyabulela Tofile as the musician Schaunard, bass Otto Maidi as the philosopher Colline, bass Johan Scheepers as the state councillor Alcindoro and tenor Chris Mostert as the toy vendor Parpignol.

The children’s choir is made up of participants of the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) and the adult chorus is Big Wig Opera’s own opera chorus.

This opera will be performed with piano accompaniment by Eugene Joubert and conducted by Graham Scott.

In an attempt to stay true to its mission to produce ‘Real Opera for Real People’ Big Wig Opera has partnered with the South African National Tuberculosis Association (SANTA) to create awareness for this very ‘real’ condition that affects millions of South Africans. In the story of La Bohème, the seamstress Mimi is gravely ill with a condition known today as tuberculosis and sadly she succumbs from it at the end of the opera. 

“Through partnering with SANTA we hope to make Gauteng opera-lovers aware of the symptoms of the condition and that it can be successfully treated,” says Lombard. “Through our Youth Audience Development Programme we intend to educate around 300 school children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, who will be invited to attend the opera, not only about tuberculosis but also about the various careers available in the entertainment industry specifically related to opera.”

Big Wig Opera calls on Gauteng audiences to support this worthy cause through donations. Funds raised will be used to provide a meal to each of the 300 school children on the evening of their attendance as well as to pay for buses to transport the children from their various townships to the Roodepoort Theatre. 

As a registered non-profit company Big Wig Opera relies heavily on the support of corporate companies as well as the public. Muzi Mazibuko, Big Wig Opera’s director for youth development, says that apart from its mission to produce opera of an exceptional artistic standard Big Wig Opera will also be developing young artists in an attempt to secure a future for opera in Gauteng. “The 19-year-old baritone Siyabulela Tofile, who will be making his operatic debut in La Bohème,” explains Mazibuko, “is a prime example of how we intend to develop young artists. Tofile joined the opera chorus and due to his natural talent was one of eight young African artists selected for development.”

Companies and individuals that would like to pledge support through a donation can visit www.bigwigopera.com for banking details or email Muzi Mazibuko at [email protected].

One can also nominate a school to become part of the Youth Audience Development Programme by emailing [email protected].

Tickets for La Bohème are already on sale at R190, R250 and R350. There are two performances, on Friday, 22 May at 20:00 and on Sunday, 24 May at 15:00. To book a seat, phone the Joburg City Theatres’ central reservation line on 0861 670 670 or visit www.bigwigopera.com.