SOUTH AFRICA: WORLD PREMIERE TAKES PLACE FOR FIRST-EVER AFRICAN-COMPOSED OPERA.

Record ID: 392708

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: WORLD PREMIERE TAKES PLACE FOR FIRST-EVER AFRICAN-COMPOSED OPERA.
  • Date: 4th May 2002
  • Summary: VARIOUS SHOTS THE REBELLION AND THE ARREST OF THE KING.
  • Embargoed: 19th May 2002 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Entertainment,General,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAD3SHGKHR0WB90ELJXC4FR2GT3
  • Story Text: An African opera about the life and times of a Zulu princess who became world famous for her music without ever leaving her home in rural KwaZulu-Natal, had its world premiere in the South African port city of Durban this weekend. It was a historic moment - the world premiere and staging of the first African-composed opera.
    The opera is based on the life of Mntwana (Princess) Constance Magogo kaDinuzulu, daughter of King Dinuzulu KaCetshwayo and mother to South African Home Affairs Minister Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
    Princess Magogo was one of the finest women in Zulu history.
    She was a devoted Zulu patriot and an indefatigable ambassador of peace and reconciliation in Zulu national affairs. Born in 1900, she was recognised as the greatest living authority in Zulu music, in particular classical Zulu music.
    As a praise singer, poet, musician, politician and fighter for women's rights, she used her position to unify her people. She never left her home in Mahlabathini, but the world came to see her.
    The choral music in this opera is in the African traditional style, using traditional African rhythms, traditional African scales, modes and harmonies.
    The role of Princess Magogo is played by one of South Africa's best known and best loved artists, Sibongile Khumalo. Khumalo also daughter of the composer has delighted audiences world-wide with her interpretations and her ability to switch effortlessly from one music genre to another.
    The Opera opens with the Princess Magogo alone in bed. She is dying. As she lies in her bed she sings about the wonderful plumage worn by the Zulu Warriors. She is very weak and cannot finish the song. As she sings we see a Zulu King in full regalia and plumage appear next to her. He is her father King Dinizulu. He has come to collect her to join the ancestors.
    She rises from her bed but before she leaves to join the ancestors, she recalls the more important moments of her life.
    Mzilikazi Khumalo composer of this opera in two acts is one of the most well known figures in the South African music scene.
    His contributions are wide ranging; most notably he played a leading role in the South African National Anthem committee honouring the composer of the country's current anthem.
    With a cast of 110 people, a production team of six and a 70-piece orchestra, the production will then go to Johannesburg and Cape Town, before leaving for a performance at the Humanities Festival in Chicago.
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