Nataniël’s Rainbow at Midnight features a trio of talented women
Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, director, designer and playwright, Nataniël returns to the stage at Emperors Palace this month, with what he describes as “technically the most advanced project of my career” – Rainbow at Midnight.
He will be joined in this grand production by a troupe of talented performers who, he says, are the best artists he knows.
They complete his vision for this new creation, which tells the tale, in true Nataniël-style, of what happened one night in 1880, when a group of visitors to the rainbow travelling fair had a supernatural experience that would change their lives and those of their children for ever.
It is fitting that, as the show opens in the month that celebrates women, three amazing female performers, Corlea, Lindiwe Bungane and Tonia Selley, will be alongside Nataniël for the duration of the show, which runs until September 28.
It opens in the new Theatre of Marcellus on Thursday, August 21.
Speaking with admiration of the trio, he says they all have amazing voices and likens Corlea’s to a volcano erupting.
“When she sings she can wake sleeping dogs, and our love for high heels and sequins makes us a perfect match,” says Nataniël.
She, in turn, touches on the supernatural angle of the show during an interview, saying she has been asked if any weird stuff has happened to her, and her answer is yes – she met Nataniël.
“He is a freak of nature and I’m lucky to know him,” she says.
”His ideas are amazing, his style is sweet and sour and his shows are full of life lessons.”
Nataniël is equally effusive about Bungane, whom he met when she won the reality show, Project Fame, outperforming 10 million artists from around Africa in 2004.
“I love a big voice and Lindiwe has this powerhouse voice. With her, it’s go big or go home,” he says about the Sandton singer who will be doing her third show at Emperors Palace with him.
Speaking about working with Nataniël, before the start of rehearsals, Bungane commented: “It’s always been great to work with him and I’m always excited to find out what a clever world he comes up with.
“I think this year’s production will require us to act and create different characters so that we transport the audience into this magical world Nataniël has created.”
While Corlea and Bungane will take centre stage with the celebrated entertainer, Selley has been walking a road with Natniël since 2003.
The talented Cape Town-based percussionist and vocalist has not only appeared on stage with him in numerous shows at Emperors Palace, but also at the Royal Albert Hall, which shows how highly he thinks of her, and she is one of his best friends.
On the subject of staying with Nataniël, Selley says it is a wonderful experience.
“Aside from the wonderful kuier evenings, his house is a haven of peace and productivity,” she adds.
”I have never seen anyone who works so hard and yet still manages to make everyone around him laugh so much.
“He is funny and fabulous from the moment he wakes up – and incredibly generous.” – @IschkeBoksburg
