Legendary ‘King Kong’ makes a return to theatres
MORE than half a century since the original production, the Fugard Theatre’s new production of the legendary South African musical King Kong is fully cast and rehearsals are in full swing.
Eric Abraham produces and presents the high-energy show from July 25 to September 2 in Cape Town, and then at the Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg from September 12 to October 8. The official opening night is on August 2.
It tells the story of heavyweight fifties boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini (whose self-appointed ring name was King Kong) to the sounds of Todd Matshikiza’s exhilarating music.
When the widely-acclaimed production first went on stage in 1959, South Africa’s first black musical was set in Sophiatown in Johannesburg. It toured the country and was seen by 200 000 South Africans, playing to record-breaking multi-racial audiences at a time when apartheid saw segregated audiences and venues. In 1961 King Kong travelled to London’s West End for a 200-performance run. There it launched the international careers of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
The executive director of the Fugard Theatre, Daniel Galloway said: “We are excited to be recreating the world of the Back of the Moon shebeen with an all-South African cast. The current production will refresh the musical for the 21st century.”
Andile Gumbi, pictured, plays the title role of King Kong. The South African actor, singer and dancer made his Broadway debut as Simba in The Lion King and has starred in productions of this musical in London, Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai and South Africa. He also plays Zweli in the Mzansi Magic soap opera isiBaya.
Multiple award-winning actress and singer-songwriter Nondumiso Tembe will recreate the role of Joyce, which propelled Miriam Makeba to international fame in the original production. Tembe’s extensive list of credits include HBO’s Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning True
Blood, SABC’s Generations, and Zulu Wedding. She won the best actress in a supporting role Naledi Theatre Award in 2014 for her portrayal of Susan in David Mamet’s Race, which toured South Africa and was staged at the Edinburgh Festival. Her debut album Izwi Lami (My Voice) was widely acclaimed and also scooped a Metro FM Music Award for best music video.
Dlamini became an unwitting symbol for freedom and the wasted power of his people under apartheid. After a meteoric rise to stardom, Dlamini’s life degenerated into drunkenness and gang violence. In 1957, in a fit of jealousy, he killed his girlfriend and, at his trial, asked for the death sentence to serve as a warning to others. But the white judge, refusing to take instruction from a black defendant, sentenced Dlamini to 12 years’ hard labour.
Three months later, King Kong was found drowned in a dam on a prison farm. At 36 years old, he had taken his destiny into his own hands and, inadvertently, become a legend, thus providing material for a timeless stage classic.
The new production will be directed by Jonathan Munby. The revised book is by Academy award-nominated screenwriter and playwright William Nicholson. ● King Kong will run at the Fugard Theatre from July 25 until September 2, Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm with a 4pm matinee performance on Saturdays. Tickets range from R130 to R280. Bookings can be made through Computicket or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. Bookings can also be made at the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. There is a 15% discount available for the Friends of the Fugard members. Baywatch