Overview
To mark the 5th year of the Fugard being open, David Kramer’s brand new South African musical and world premiere – Orpheus in Africa – opened, and it was written and directed by David Kramer. It had a return season from 22 September to 2 January 2016.
Orpheus in Africa tells the little-known story of the American impresario Orpheus McAdoo and his African-American Virginia Jubilee Singers, who visited South Africa in the 1890s. Their tour began in Scotland, where Orpheus met Lady Loch – the wife of the British Governor of the Cape – who invited them to Cape Town. It was here some 125 years ago that the Jubilee Singers became an unlikely overnight sensation.
Details
First season
28 January–
23 February 2015
Return season
22 September 2015–
19 January 2016
Venue
Main Theatre
Original Cast
Orpheus McAdoo
Aubrey Poo
Mattie Allen
Lynelle Kenned
Eugene McAdoo, Orpheus Understudy
Zolani Shangase
Lucy Moten
Jill Levenberg
Lady Loch, Rose, Theatre Manager’s Assistant
Jessica Sole
Finnegan, Ernst Logan
Dean Balie
Egbert Washburn, Trooper, Student Leader
Sne Dladla
Richard Collins
Sanda Shandu
JP Toerien, Havel, Curtis, Raymond
Gideon Lombard
Mamie Edwards
Bianca Flanders
Belle Gibbons
Edith Plaatjies
Manager, Mr Mitchell, Cover Pianist
Godfrey Johnson
Moses Hodges, Tailor
Graham Bourne
Willard Thompson, Rasdien
Grant Peres
Young Maiden, Tap Dancer
Katlego Moncho
Pianist & Conductor
Stefan Lombard
Clarinet & Pianist
Matt Foster
Creative team
Writer, Director
David Kramer
Producer
Eric Abraham
Co-producer
Daniel Galloway
Associate Producer
Renaye Kramer
Musical Director & Arrangements
Charl-Johan Lingenfelder
Set Design
Saul Radomsky
Costume Design
Birrie Le Roux
Vocal Director & Choir Master
Alistair Izobel
Lighting Design
Daniel Galloway
Benjamin du Plessis
Sound Design
Mark Malherbe for Prosound
Resident Director
Greg Karvellas
Set Construction
Gerhard Morkel
Scenic Painter
Juanita Ferreira
Production team
Production Manager
Roberto Grové
Stage Manager
Juanita van Wyk
Assistant Stage Manager
Shayna Gleave Assistant
Stage Manager, Dresser
Widaad Albertus
Sound Operator
Werner Sassman
Mic Technician
Trevor Mbofana
David Clarke
Crew
Clynt Hlubi
Achmat Khroodien
Sean Whitehead
Production Assistant
Koos Marais
Chief Costumier
Kobus O’ Callaghan
Costume
Shanaaz Benjamin
Construction
Bayson Moreni
Charles Beni
Brenda Plaatjies–Andrews
Wardrobe Assistant
Widaad Albertus
Juanita Ferreira
Tailor
Cathy Collard
Maria du Toit
Costumier
Hilette Stapelberg
Milliner
Jacqui Colbe
Sound Supplier
Eastern Acoustics
Photography
Jesse Kate Kramer
Publicity
Allison Foat for DIVA PR
Reviews
★★★★★
“… skitterende nuwe musiekblyspel …”
Die Burger“… a world-class home-grown product that deserves an international stage. Don’t miss it.”
Daily Maverick“Enthusiastically exceptional…The musical discovery of the year”
The Cape Times“Orpheus in Africa is an artistic triumph…”
The Next 48 Hours
“… Triumphant … Kramer perfectly melds history and melody”
The Cape Argus
“Orpheus in Africa is fit for Broadway”
The Weekend Argus
Production photos
