The world premiere musical Mandela releases the first images and video from the rehearsal room today, featuring a first glimpse and early listen of the soaring new musical ahead of its opening at the Young Vic Theatre. (Main image: Michael-Luwoye-and-Stewark-Clarke-Mandela-rehearsal-c-Ellie-Kurttz.jpg)
Infused with the rhythms of South Africa, Mandela tells the extraordinary story of a man who changed the course of modern history – the sacrifices he made as a husband and father, and the global movement that inspired him and his comrades to keep fighting. Featuring a book by Laiona Michelle, music and lyrics by Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky, and directed by Schele Williams, Mandela is presented in proud partnership with Nandi Mandela, Luvuyo Madasa and the Mandela family. The production previews at the Young Vic from 29 November, with opening night for press on 8 December, and will run until 4 February 2023.
“A new spirit has gripped our nation!”
“Together is where tomorrow’s promise lies”
It’s 1960. Young activist, Nelson Mandela, rallies the people of South Africa to protest against the racial segregation of apartheid. In 1962 he is arrested and sentenced to life in prison, where he will spend the next 27 years, taken from his wife and children, as the fight for freedom sweeps his country.
The cast is Michael Luwoye and Danielle Fiamanya as Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela with Gregory Armand as Vusi, Zion Battles as Bongani, Earl Carpenter as the Prime Minister, Stewart Clarke as the Warden, Hanna Dimtsu as Nomsa, Lerato Gwebu as Adelaide Tambo / Evelyn Mase, Prudence Jezile as Praise Singer, Akmed Junior Khemalai as Walter Sisulu, Blue Makwana as Gugu, Kayleigh McKnight as Susan / Erika, Posi Morakinyo as Thembi Mandela, Sneziey Msomi as Albertina Sisulu / Maki Mandela, Nomfusi Ngonyama as Zeni Mandela, Ryan O’Donnell as Joe Slovo, Adam Pearce as Kobus, Bolthale Phora as Kgatho Mandela, Shiv Rabheru as Ahmed Kathrada, Will Richardson as Piet, Leanne Robinson as Zindzi Mandela, and Ntsikelelo Nicholas Vani as Oliver Tambo.
Mandela features additional music & lyrics by Bongi Duma, with choreography by Gregory Maqoma, set design by Academy Award winner Hannah Beachler, costume designs by Fay Fullerton, lighting design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winner Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, projection and video design by Akhila Krishnan, orchestration by Sam Young, musical supervision by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, musical direction by Sean Mayes and casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG. Completing the creative team are Associate Choreographer Dickson Mbi, Associate Set Designer Debbie Duru, Associate Music Director Sam Young, Associate Casting Director Richard Johnston, and Associate Directors Becca Chadder and Rochelle Wilson.
The band is Will Fry percussion/djembe, Andy Findon woodwind, Peter Martin bass/electric, Zach Okonkwo drums, Wayne Plummer guitar/kora and Craig Wild trumpet/flugel.
Mandela will be broadcast live for four performances from 19 – 23 January as part of Best Seat in Your House the Young Vic’s immersive multi-camera player that allows audience members to pick their preferred camera angle during the live show. The broadcast experience is designed uniquely for the production, with multiple cameras positioned to offer unique perspectives of the show. Captions, audio description and BSL-interpretation will be available for every stream. Tickets for Best Seat in Your House broadcasts of Mandela are on sale at www.youngvic.org
The development of Best Seat in Your House was made possible with public support from the UK Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Additional generous support was provided by the Genesis Foundation’s Genesis Kickstart Fund.
Mandela is generously sponsored by MultiChoice.
Relaxed Performance: 4 January 2023, 7.30pm
Socially Distanced Performance: 21 December 2022, 7.30pm
BSL Performance: 13 December 2022 & 12 January 2023, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performance: 19 December 2022,10 & 24 January 2023, 7.30pm
Captioned Performance: 15 December 2022 & 5 January 2023, 7.30pm
Best Seat in Your House broadcasts: 19, 20, 21 & 23 January 2023, 7.30pm and 21 January 2023, 2.30pm
