A call to Joburg Theatre for a new show
JOBURG – Johannesburg audiences are in for a treat when the world premiere of the new and original musical, Calling me Home opens at the Joburg Theatre.
Calling me Home is a powerful love story of hope, courage, longing and compassion that will resonate with people everywhere.
In this new, hugely diverse and colourful production, characters experience both joy and great danger, love and longing for home.
Premiering during Women’s Month, from 17 August to 3 September, Calling me Home is a collaboration between two highly creative and powerful women in the South African music and theatre industry.
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The book, score and libretto were written by composer and producer, Alice Gillham, who lives and works in South Africa. She effortlessly fuses the genres of classical music, African hybrid, jazz and traditional folksong to create bewitching and evocative music that brings the story to life, providing her audience with a deeply human and emotional experience.
Photo: by Oscar O’Ryan Photography
Joining Gillham in bringing this musical to the stage, is director Magdalene Minnaar. According to Minnaar this production has the potential to have a profound impact on the world.
“The content is extremely current and we have incredibly talented people in Africa. You rarely get a chance to be part of a brand-new local production of this calibre,” she said.
Calling me Home depicts the journeys of three women who each find their own personal power.
Grace, played by Lynelle Kenned, a young African woman flees her war-torn homeland to try to survive in a country of concrete cityscapes, crime and danger.
With her is her new friend Lindiwe, played by Zolani Mahola, who too has fled her home, but in Lindiwe’s case it is a flight from abuse and pain.
Finally, there’s the beautiful but deeply troubled Isabella, played by Samantha Peo, who finds the strength and courage to conquer almost insurmountable challenges when she overcomes addiction, both chemical and emotional, to take the moral lead in her community. The work is a global story with far-reaching current relevance.
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According to Minnaar, choosing the right artists was critical as they will have the opportunity to bring their characters to life for the very first time. “We have carefully chosen hugely talented singers who bring storytelling energy, creativity and a spirit of adventure to this journey. Their energy is amazing and their talent world-class,” Minnaar stated.
The complete Southern African cast consists of some of the country’s most celebrated stage performers, well-known personalities and some up-and-coming young stars – so, don’t miss it!
Details: Joburg Theatre 086 167 0670; 011 877 6853/4; www.joburgtheatre.com
