On Friday 24th May we were at Phandulwazi High school in Philippi. There a group of 32 learners staged a new youth musical, Ubizo (the Calling) which is based on themes of the myth of Orphée et Eurydice, taken from Gluck’s opera which CTO will perform at the Baxter Theatre Centre in September. The team included the school’s choir master Thato Machona (former CTO Young Artist Programme member), Chuma Sopotela (Script writer & Director), Bongani Magatyana (Music Composer and Music Director), Lulamile Nikani (Choreographer), Khangelani Twani (Pianist) and the learners.
Approximately 750 family members and friends filled the school hall at both the final dress rehearsal and the performance, all not withholding their applause and appreciation of a fine afternoon of song and dance in Philippi.
All of this would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the City of Cape Town and the Maria Marina Foundation, we’re so thankful for their support of bringing opera to the people.