TSOTSI, A new Musical
GMTWP alum Mkhululi Mabija (Cycle 19) and collaborator and composer Zwai Bala received a Cape Town Opera production of their new musical TSOTSI, THE MUSICAL at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, South Africa this past February.
Opening to reviews describing the show as a "musical theatre triumph" and "breaking new territory in South African musical theatre", the show is based on the novel by Athol Fugard, and tells the powerful story of a hardened township criminal whose life changes forever after a bungled mugging leaves him caring for a stranger’s baby.
The gritty, contemporary musical adaptation is directed by award winners Neil Coppen and Khayelihle Dominique Gumede, with set design by Michael Mitchell and Neil Coppen, choreography by Standard Bank Young Artist Thandazile “Sonia” Radebe, lighting by Kobus Rossouw and costumes by Noluthando Lobese.
TSOTSI, THE MUSICAL was funded by the National Lotteries Commission and supported by the Western Cape Government Cultural Affairs and Sport department and BASA.