All aboard for a magic ride

IT IS EARLY 1990s, and word is out that South Africa is heading towards a new dawn. All those trapped in the corridors of the world in exile are rushing home to catch the Third World Express.

They carry with them their ambitions and hopes of a country of their final destination. Third World Express, a new musical that draws its inspiration from the epic poem of the same title by Dr Mongane Wally Serote, will have its world premiere on the Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre from September 18 until September 25 as part of the theatre’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

For Shadrack Bokaba, the producer of the Third World Express musical, it has been a long journey that goes back to 2016 when he first raised the question of the possibility of presenting the Third World Express on stage to Serote.

Serote said: “We need an inspiration and discourse that will move us forward as Africans here at home and in the diaspora. We need to develop the ability to innovate and to regenerate the energy of our continent with a cultural renaissance that will be informed by our music. We have no choice but to do that.”

Third World Express is written and directed by the internationally acclaimed Gregory Maqoma, with original music composed by Mark Cheyne. It features some of South Africa’s best talent on stage, including Lebo Toko, Thokozani Nzima, Joel Zuma and Ayanda Sibisi, supported by a singing ensemble and accompanied by the Vuyani Dance Theatre and members of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of South Africa.

The orchestra is led by pianist

Bokani Dyer, who is also the music director of the show, and comprises some well-known names in music, including Sydney Mavundla on the trumpet, Sisonke Xonti on saxophone and clarinet, Lucas Senyatso on bass guitar and Billy Monama on guitar. They take the audience on a captivating

“train ride” through song and dance, rediscovering South Africa on the dawn of democracy.

Significant consideration has marked this creation, utilising all the impressive equipment that the Joburg Theatre has recently acquired and making the Mandela Stage a creative’s dream.

Andrew Timm, the production designer, adds: “Third World Express transports us from Grand Central Station in New York to Johannesburg Station to Soweto in a colourful, stylised and innovative way.”

Joburg Theatre is excited to continue transporting Joburg audiences on profound and touching magical journeys and invites you to purchase tickets for Third World Express priced from R200 to R380 on the Joburg Theatre website, www.joburgtheatre.com