Homebrewed VIBRATIONS

‘ Tsotsi, the Musical’, a mash-up of kwaito and other genres, explodes on stage next month

were not using the film as their departure point, but re-inventing and breathing fresh life into the material from Fugard’s novel, to speak to a contemporary South African reality.

“Mkhululi is a gifted writer and had been developing new characters and plot lines, which Dom and I helped further enhance.

“We looked at the forced removals in Fugard’s novel

(which is set in the ’50s) and the contemporary equivalents.

“We worked to introduce more dynamic female characters and reworked some characters’ nationalities to speak more accurately to the multicultural complexities of contemporary South Africa. I also began collaborating on the design alongside Michael Mitchell.

“While the narrative will be familiar to audiences, there are significant new characters, plot changes and exciting new storylines that will allow audiences to feel that they are journeying this story for the first time or rediscovering it.

“I think audiences will find it to be a very original and surprising take – one that will excite fans of the film and novel and also theatregoers across cultures and generations.

“It’s a timeless and universal story, after all.”

As to the tag of “kwaito musical”, Coppen mused: “Zwai’s music crosses so many local musical genres I would hesitate to say it’s a kwaito musical. Zwai shot to fame with his hugely popular ‘90s kwaito outfit TKZee, and while there are elements of this sound it would be limiting to say kwaito alone defines it.

“Zwai has extensive experience in the musical world and in his own career is versed across so many diverse genres.

“I believe this musical will look and feel completely fresh and unlike anything theatre audiences have seen before. I come home from rehearsals each day and can’t stop singing the songs, which is always a promising sign.”

● Previews are on Febuary 7 and 8 and then there are eight performances. Don’t miss this musical, set to break boundaries in musical theatre. Others on the creative team are Sonia Radebe (choreography), Noluthando Lobese (costumes) and Kobus Rossouw (lighting). Hip hop artist Mxolisi "Zuluboy" Majozi stars at Tsotsi. The supporting cast includes Msizi Njapha, Busisiwe Ngejane, Bianca le Grange, Kgomotso Matsunyane, Katlego Letsholonyana, Thembisile Ntaka, Royston Stoffels, Lindani Nkosi, Ayanda Nhlangothi and Nhlanhla Mahlangu.

SINGING OUT: In bringing Tsotsi to the stage, Cape Town Opera has engaged an exceptionally creative team and cast.