SOUTH AFRICA: Young South Africans perform their hearts out in the spectacular opera Aida

Record ID: 452331

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: Young South Africans perform their hearts out in the spectacular opera Aida
  • Date: 7th February 2008
  • Summary: PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (JANUARY 31, 2008) (REUTERS ACCESS ALL) VARIOUS OF OPERA PERFORMANCE (SOUNDBITE) (English) TENOR STEPHAN LOUW WHO PLAYS RADAMES, SAYING: "The audience wants it, there's definitely an audience for it, I think, in South Africa, in the black community there's amazing voices, because its a singing nation and these voice lend themselves to that kind of sound, so there's so much talent, unfortunately there's not that many chances, but its getting much better definitely." MORE OF OPERA PERFORMANCE IN AMNERIS'S CHAMBERS (SOUNDBITE) (English) DIRECTOR, LAURENCE DALE SAYING: "My dream, if its anything, is to see this being supported all the more so that we get this huge wealth of talent developed." MORE OF OPERA PERFORMANCE, SCENE WITH KAISER NKOSI AS THE KING (SOUNDBITE) (English) KING OF EGYPT, KAISER NKOSI SAYING: "What's more nice about it, it's not only the stories you hear, some are fantasy, or others are what, this one is more of, it's an Africa story which relates so much to us as Africans, and I feel, what can i say, honoured to be, part of this production" VARIOUS OF THE PERFORMANCE
  • Embargoed: 22nd February 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVADNW3918IAB5OF5QJZASH4CMPS
  • Story Text: The cast of Verdi's opera, Aida to South Africa, prepares for the grand opening this weekend in a final dress rehearsal.
    Aida, a beautiful Egyptian opera by Giuseppe Verdi opens this weekend in South Africa. The cast for this particular performance is made up mostly of South Africans, an initiative that Opera Africa, the producers and director Laurence Dale, felt it was their best idea ever.

    "My dream, if its anything, is to see this being supported all the more so that we get this huge wealth of talent developed." said Dale.
    Aida is an opera in four acts which tells the story of an Ethiopian princess who was captured and enslaved by the Egyptians, she falls in love with an Egyptian military commander, Radames. He is also torn between his love for her and his loyalty to his country. A love triangle emerges as the King's daughter is also in love with Radames.

    "What's more nice about it, it's not only the stories you hear, some are fantasy, or others are what, this one is more of, it's an Africa story which relates so much to us as Africans, and I feel, what can i say, honoured to be, part of this production" said Kaizer Nkosi who plays the King of Egypt.
    The medieval sets, colourful costumes, magnificent use of lighting and the resonating talent of young South African opera stars help bring this piece to life.
    Aida opens at the State Theatre this weekend (Saturday Feb. 2) in Pretoria.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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