Big achievement in size and scope
E IGHT years ago, Durban-based musician and composer Juan Burgers got the idea to create an opera that would be a 21st anniversary salute to South Africa’s struggle for democracy.
In his words: “I set out to tell this story of terrible injustice endured by millions of South Africans, through the medium of opera, the noblest of all art forms, in the knowledge it would offer full scope for the stirring cultural background of our country, while allowing me to recreate a birds-eye, or Cosmic, view of these historic happenings.”
Four years later, the core of the opera was complete. It had a title, Ubuntu – The Opera, and the focus then moved to acquiring sponsorship under the vigilant eye of the project’s executive producers, Raphael Vilakazi, who is better known to Durban audiences as an opera singer himself, and Dr Sipho J Nzimande.
Thanks to funding by the National Lotteries Commission, Ubuntu – The Opera moved forward, and Tuesday night’s audience at Durban’s Playhouse Opera were privileged to attend the world premiere of a major new South African composition.
South African-born dancer and choreographer David Krugel – now based in the Netherlands – directed, designed and choreographed this impressive work which focuses on key events in the life and career of Nelson Mandela.
The opera moves from Mandela’s birth in the rural Transkei through the years until he is eventually released from prison and gives his inaugural presidential address at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
This involves a massive range of different settings, costumes and music styles.
Burgers deliberately chose a larger female chorus than a male one, reflecting the contribution of the women of South Africa.
The prologue of the opera featured Gaia, goddess Mother Earth, surrounded by billowing fabric.
What followed was an absolutely thrilling mix of voice and audiovisual elements as the background changed from clouds to trees to water to fire.
Charlotte Mhlongo has a superb voice and shone as Gaia.
The major character is Ubuntu – played on opening night by tenor Simphiwe Mkhatshwa (who alternates with Thamsanqa Mqaba). He is ever-present on stage as a reminder of the meaning of the word – “oneness”– meaning we are all connected, whatever our race, sex or religion.
Also giving impressive performances were baritone Njabulo Mthimkhulu in the role of Nelson Mandela; soprano Khumbuzile Dlamini (alternating with Nomsa Mpofu) as Winnie Mandela, and Thamsanqa Khaba as Inkosi Albert Luthuli.
Huge credit to conductor Lykele Temmingh who vigorously handled the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra in what is a demanding and expansive score which ranges from full-on, all-stops-out power, to gentle poignancy.
I must commend the lighting and visual settings which were splendid.
My only problem – and I was not alone in this – is that it was often difficult to hear some of the singers as they were set quite a way back upstage and often drowned by the orchestra.
Perhaps moving the action more downstage, or ambient microphones, might help?
Ubuntu – The Opera is presented under the auspices of Esayidi FET College in collaboration with Bravo Africa Entertainment, and congratulations must go to everyone involved – however large or small a part they played – for pulling off a major achievement of this size and scope. Durban is privileged to host its world premiere.
Final performances are at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 2.30pm on Sunday, at the Playhouse Opera.
Thanks to the support of the National Lotteries Commission, tickets are only R50 – very affordable for a production of this magnitude.
Booking is at Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers stores, by telephone at 0861 915 8000, via the Playhouse box office at 031 369 9540 (during office hours), or online at www.computicket.com.
Smart is a guest reviewer who edits ArtSmart online: www.artsmart.co.za.