A fusion of history, music, dance and queer culture will take centre stage in Nkoli: The Vogue Opera, running at the Baxter Theatre until Saturday October 19.
The production is described as 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 composer Philip Miller.
This avant-garde production tells the story of anti-Apartheid and LGBTQ+ freedom fighter, Simon Nkoli.
Nkoli was imprisoned on charges of treason at the Delmas Treason Trial 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 our constitution. Nkoli 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, in Gauteng, to his rise to prominence as a leader in the fight against Apartheid and for LGBTQI+ rights.
It is a story of courage, determination, unity and love, told through protest songs, arias, lip-syncing, rap, choruses and video projections.
There are visually striking sets, opulent costumes, and a cast of extraordinary performers including renowned singer Ann Masina, newcomer Simbone Qonya and Niza Jay as the rapping emcee.
Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is directed by Rikki Beadle Blair and John Trengove; with video projections by Catherine Meyburgh and choreography by Llewellyn Mnguni.
Shows are at 7.30pm, with matinee performances at 2pm on Saturdays. Tickets cost from R200 to R350 through Webtickets.
