Musical brings together airlines, continents

Soweto Theatre will become the convergence point for three continents, four airlines and 19 performers when a new musical opens later this month.

The musical, This New Ocean, will celebrate humanity and globalisation in a unique way, and boasts a cast drawn from all over the world.

The cast is made up of crew members and staff from South African Airways, Germany’s Lufthansa, Japan’s All Nippon Airways, Russia’s S7 Airlines, and employees of Munich Airport.

This New Ocean will make its debut on 18 July, the birthday of the late Nelson Mandela.

“It is the first opera company to scatter all over the world after each rehearsal,” said stage director Bjorn Potulski.

“Rehearsing posed enormous logistical challenges. We had to co-ordinate schedules and ground times for employees from Africa, Europe and Asia. It is fitting that all of these come together on the birthday of a man who brought together people from all over the world.”

Among the 19 performers are South African Airways crew members Monggie Thlapane, Frieda Makoba and Muzi Hlatshwayo.

Alto soloist Thlapane, a flight attendant, will open the show with her performance of Sailing in Atmosphere.

The musical was created by Potulski and Spanish composer Nelida Bejar, who works with the Munich Airport policy affairs unit.

“The first act starts from the beginning of life until the migration out of Africa; the second depicts human migration to different parts of the world; and the third act is a vision for a Utopian future,” said Potulski.

The performers will be backed by 15 professional musicians who will be conducted by Anton Zapf of Munich, and will be supported by the 100-voice, Soweto-based Children’s Choir.

“What makes this extraordinary stage production special is the fact that overcoming borders is not only a theme of the work itself, it was also a key aspect of the creative process,” said Potulski.

“I can’t wait to see and hear it performed on this amazing stage in Soweto,” added Bejar.

This New Ocean will run from 18 until 20 July at the Soweto Theatre, Bolani Road, Soweto.

Admission is free, but subject to available seats, so booking is recommended.

Donations to the theatre’s musical education programme will be welcomed.

Details: 0861 670 670.