The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo has triumphed over Fiddler On The Roof and Little Shop Of Horrors to win Best Musical Revival at the 2008 Laurence Olivier Awards.
This South African production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute is performed by a company of 35 singers and musicians from the township of Khayelitsha in Cape Town, and is directed by British-born, South African-based director Mark Dornford-May.
The show was first presented at the Young Vic in December 2007, along with the company’s second production, A Christmas Carol – Ikrismas Kherol, before success at the Waterloo venue resulted in a transfer to the Duke of York’s, where it is currently playing.
Mozart’s opera tells the story of Tamino, a young man charged with rescuing Pamina, the daughter of the Queen of the Night, from Sarastro, the Priest of the Sun. In this vibrant new production, Mozart’s familiar music is performed on marimbas, drums and percussion, while South African rhythms and languages, adapted lyrics and colourful costumes help to create the production’s unique style.
An impressive cast includes Pauline Malefane (Generations at the Young Vic), who also co-adapted the lyrics, as the Queen of the Night. Malefane accepted the award on behalf of the cast and crew, most of whom were celebrating on the balcony overlooking the ceremony. Cast members Thando Boqwana, Busi Ngejane and Poseletso, who play the Three Spirits in the production, gave us their reaction to the win: "We are all proud of ourselves for all the hard work that we have been doing. I think we deserve it."
The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo plays at the Duke of York’s until 19 April.
CB