A groundbreaking fusion of history, music, dance and queer culture will take centre stage in Cape Town this October with Nkoli: The Vogue Opera, running at the Baxter Theatre from 9 October to 19 October 2024. It’s part opera, part vogueing-ball. “Think if Hamilton and RuPaul’s Drag Race had a baby in South Africa. That’s Nkoli:The Vogue-Opera!” says S’bo Gyre, co-lyricist with Philip Miller.
Following its hit run at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg in 2023, Nkoli: The Vogue Opera now transfers the Baxter Flipside for its Cape Town debut.
This avant-garde production tells the story of South African, anti-apartheid and LGBTQ+ freedom fighter Simon Nkoli. Simon was imprisoned on charges of treason at the Delmas Treason Trial (1985 – 1988) and on his release organised the first Pride march in Johannesburg in 1990. He played a key role in ensuring gay rights were enshrined in the constitution. Simon died in 1998 aged 41 of AIDS related illnesses, at a time when antiretroviral drugs were denied in South Africa.
The opera is set within a vogueing ballroom competition and follows Simon’s journey from his childhood in Sebokeng township, South Africa, to his rise to prominence as a leader in the fight against apartheid and for LGBTQI+ rights. It is a story set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous times in South African history and told through protest songs, lush arias, lip-syncing, rap, huge choruses and video projections.
Powerful call for justice and equality
Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is created and composed by internationally renowned composer Philip Miller, whose recent successes include the soundtrack to the hit TV drama uShaka iLembe, his collaboration on William Kentridge’s The Head and the Load, and the Reuben T Caluza B-Side concerts with composer Tshegofatso Moeng. With lyrics co-written by the rapper S’bo Gyre, it’s directed by award-winning directors, Rikki Beadle Blair and John Trengove (The Wound); video projections are by by filmmaker Catherine Meyburgh and choreography by internationally celebrated dancer Llewellyn Mnguni.
The Cape Town run of Nkoli: The Vogue Opera features a cast of performers including singer Ann Masina, newcomer Simbone Qonya and rapping emcee, Niza Jay. Through its dynamic storytelling, vibrant and emotional resonance, the vogue-opera celebrates Simon Nkoli’s life and legacy and is a powerful call for justice and equality, especially for South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community.
What: Nkoli: The Vogue Opera
Where and when: Baxter Theatre from 9 October to 19 October 2024
Tickets: Webtickets
WS
