Originally performed by a cast of eight people, Sophiatown has become a classic of South African theatre. The Maritzburg College production sought to provide the prospect for a larger number of pupils to perform after a three-year dearth of opportunities.
A vocal ensemble was added, supplementing the original cast and allowing the cast to celebrate the jazz and vibrancy of "the Chicago of South Africa" whilst simultaneously addressing the forced removals that shaped our past.
The original Maritzburg College production was staged in May 2022 and lasted two hours. The current offering, specially adapted for the Hilton Arts Festival runs for 15 minutes and features tightly edited extracts linked by some of the original songs and choreography.
The show is directed by Kamany Thaver and produced by Jonathon Orton. Music is by Memory Ngcobo and choreography by Yvette Brooker.
Join us at the Hilton College Amphitheatre for an open-air celebration of our vibrancy and resilience as a nation.
Performances take place on Saturday at 10h30 and 15h00 and on Sunday at 10h30. Entry is free.
Festival Entry Fee:
Please note that there is an entrance
fee of R100 per vehicle which is valid for all three days. You will be given a
ticket on entry which you will need to take to Info or BoxOffice (both clearly
marked). When you have paid you will be given an exit pass, valid for the
duration. This income will assist cover the costs of Festival infrastructure
For more information, click on the
Hilton Arts Festival logo to the right of this article which will link you to
the festival website.
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