Latest news with #Sarafina
The South African
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Why Sarafina is still a relevant story for the youth of today
Home » Why Sarafina is still a relevant story for the youth of today Noxolo Dlamini, pictured, will reprise her role as Sarafina in Mpho Molepo's interpretation of this iconic stage production. Image: supplied The seminal stage production Sarafina is set to return this Youth Month. Helmed by the creative vision of Mpho Molepo, this production is still near and dear to the hearts of South Africans. This lauded musical tells the story of the Soweto Uprising during the old regime. It follows Sarafina, a young girl from Soweto who covets freedom. Drawing on the wisdom of a teacher of hers, she urges her classmates to oppose the oppressive system they are being subjected to, which, among other things, is forcing them to be taught in Afrikaans. The much-celebrated Mbongeni Ngema first directed and choreographed the original stage production in 1986. This premiered at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg in June 1987. The vaunted film adaptation was rendered by Darrell James Roodt. He directed the 1992 film adaptation, which starred legends like Leleti Khumalo, Whoopi Goldberg, and Miriam Makeba. Fast forward to 2025, and this production is back, but this time with the talented Molepo at the controls. 'It's humbling. Sarafina isn't just a musical, it's a national treasure. It captures a pivotal time in our history through music, movement, and spirit. To be entrusted with that legacy, especially on a stage as iconic as Joburg Theatre, is a privilege I don't take lightly. It's about balancing reverence for what came before while speaking to the now,' he said. COMPILING A CAST TO CARRY THIS WEIGHTY STORY Molepo explained how casting this production was about finding voices that carried both strength and vulnerability. 'I was looking for performers who could live truthfully in their characters, not just act or sing well, but who understood the soul of the story. Each role demanded emotional depth, raw energy, and a commitment to telling the truth of our past with integrity.' Reprising the lead role of Sarafina will be Noxolo Dlamini, whom Molepo couldn't be happier with. 'Noxolo brings fire to the stage and embodies Sarafina with such authenticity and command. She understands the complexity of the character: the hope, the defiance, the youthful spirit. She carries the legacy of Sarafina with grace but also injects a freshness that resonates with today's audiences. Her performance is both homage and evolution,' he fawned. The story is a timeless offering, but one we have probably encountered more than once. With South Africa's youth still feeling the pressures of life in this nation, how does a director go about bringing this story into the modern era, while ensuring the essence of the story is not compromised? 'I think as a director, you're always reflecting what could be tighter, more resonant, more daring. If I had unlimited resources, I'd expand the immersive elements to bring audiences even closer to the world of the students, perhaps even break the fourth wall more often. But within our means, I'm proud of the emotional immediacy we've achieved.' Molepo, a native of Orlando Soweto, said that striking a balance between the struggles of the youth back then and now is what he placed at the core of the work. 'We've incorporated contemporary staging, nuanced character dynamics, and visuals that resonate with today's struggles, youth unemployment, activism, and identity. 'The soul of Sarafina is timeless: the fight for justice, the power of youth, the resilience of spirit. We've just translated that spirit into a 2025 context without losing its historical pulse.' With a story as adored as much as Sarafina , a changing of the guard or passing of the torch is always necessary. With that in mind, Molepo made sure to seek an audience with Mbongeni Ngema before he passed away in December of 2023. 'I've been fortunate to receive support and encouragement from voices who were part of the original magic. Mbongeni Ngema's blessing means everything, it affirms that we're on the right path, honouring the heart of Sarafina while also making it speak to now. Those conversations have grounded the work in legacy.' This story is a rollercoaster of emotions. Soaring crescendos, existential conundrums and of course, subject matter that is still rooted in an abundance of trauma. It is a concoction of emotions, but Molepo hopes you will find the offering uplifting. 'I hope audiences leave reminded of the strength and courage that lives in our collective memory—and that they feel inspired to keep the flame of change alive. Sarafina isn't just history—it's a mirror. As for its future, I see it continuing to evolve across languages, across borders, across mediums. It's a story that still has much to teach the world.' Sarafina is currently showing at The Joburg Theatre until June 15. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
24 hours in pictures, 2 June 2025
24 hours in pictures, 2 June 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. Sarafina cast at the opening night of Sarafina The Musical at Joburg Theatre on June 01, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: Gallo Images The Blue Bridge, a pedestrian bridge in Craighall Park that crosses the Braamfontein Spruit, is seen, 2 June 2025, still damaged after heavy rains and floods damaged the bridge on 5 March, and again on 26 March. Despite being cordoned off the bridge is still in use daily. The community has launched a petition to put pressure on authorities, including the City of Johannesburg and Johannesburg Roads Agency, to fix the bridge. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen A woman wears long clothing to protect her from the heat while riding along a street in Hanoi, Vietnam, 02 June 2025. Northern and central Vietnam have experienced a widespread heatwave, with the highest temperatures up to 40 degrees Celcius. Picture: EPA-EFE/LUONG THAI LINH Muslim worshippers gather to pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the holy city of Mecca on June 1, 2025 ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP) Boiketlong informal settlement artist Molatodi Mpahane showscases his work along Waterdaal Road in Sebokeng, north of Johannesburg, 2 June 2025. He has been showcasing his artworks since 2013. He makes his art in two days. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen Paris Saint-Germain's players light smoke flares as they parade on a bus on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris on June 1, 2025, a day after PSG won the 2025 UEFA Champions League final football match against Inter Milan in Munich. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP) A labourer struggles to pull two sheep down slippery stone steps for a wash ahead of the Muslim holy festival Eid al-Adha in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, 02 June 2025. Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest Muslim holidays, marking the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Picture: EPA-EFE/FAROOQ KHAN Smoke rises from the crater of the Etna volcano as it erupts, on Mount Etna near Catania on June 2, 2025. A huge plume of ash, gas and rock spewed forth on June 2, 2025, from Italy's Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, after a portion of its southeastern crater likely collapsed, authorities said. (Photo by Giuseppe Distefano / AFP) Cuirassiers, the honor guard of the president of the Italian republic, take position on the steps of the Altar of the Fatherland for the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the Unknown Soldier during the celebrations for the Republic Day, in Rome, Italy, 02 June 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI Fish float on the surface of the water during during a mass die-off at the Ibn Najm marsh, about 25 kilometres northeast of Najaf in central Iraq on June 1, 2025. (Photo by Qassem al-KAABI / AFP) Dancers from the Surialanga Dance Company perform a dance at the International Convention Centre in Durban during the ' I am because We are' event organised by the Brahma Kumaris. Brahma Kumaris is a spiritual movement that emphasizes meditation, personal transformation, and world renewal. It teaches individuals to view the world as fundamentally spiritual, not just material, and cultivates a collective consciousness of peace and individual dignity. Picture: Rajesh Jantilal A man enjoys the fifteenth annual Tomato Fight Festival known as 'Tomatina' in Sutamarchan, Boyaca Department, Colombia on June 1, 2025. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP) MORE: 48 hours in pictures, 1 June 2025
eNCA
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Mbongeni Ngema's classic 'Sarafina' returns to the stage
JOHANNESBURG - Award-winning musical, Sarafina, has dazzled audiences across the globe since 1987. WATCH | Mbongeni Ngema | Somizi pays tribute to Sarafina! creator Furthermore, for the first time since the passing of legendary playwright Mbongeni Ngema, the iconic production returns to the Joburg Theatre. A new generation of performers is stepping into the spotlight to honour a timeless legacy. eNCA reporter Naomi Kobbie filed this report.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mbongeni Ngema's 'Sarafina' set to illuminate Joburg Theatre stage
Sarafina, composed, and directed by the legendary Dr Mbongeni Ngema, will be on stage at the Joburg Theatre. Joburg Theatre proudly celebrates the life and legacy of one of South Africa's greatest cultural icons with a powerful staging of Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina, running from May 30 to June 15, 2025. Originally conceived, written, composed, and directed by the legendary Dr Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina is a timeless masterpiece that captured the heartbeat of a generation. This tribute production honours his enduring impact on theatre, music, and social change, and reignites the revolutionary spirit of a story that continues to inspire across the globe. Directed by the acclaimed Mpho Molepo with choreography by the dynamic Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, this new staging revives the Broadway-acclaimed musical with fresh energy, paying homage to the Ngema family's extraordinary artistic legacy. Set in Soweto during the historic 1976 student uprising, Sarafina is a vibrant, emotionally charged retelling of youth resistance against apartheid oppression. Through its electrifying performances, stirring music, and deeply human storytelling, the show celebrates the courage of South Africa's youth and honours the unsung heroines who shaped the nation's journey toward freedom. As we mark this special tribute season, Sarafina returns not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a heartfelt salute to the visionary genius of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, whose work transcended the stage and became the voice of a generation.
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Reviving a Cultural Milestone as Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina! Set to Illuminate Joburg Theatre Stage This May
Joburg Theatre proudly celebrates the life and legacy of one of South Africa's greatest cultural icons with a powerful staging of Mbongeni Ngema's Sarafina, running from May 30 to June 15, 2025. Originally conceived, written, composed, and directed by the legendary Dr. Mbongeni Ngema, Sarafina is a timeless masterpiece that captured the heartbeat of a generation. This tribute production honours his enduring impact on theatre, music, and social change, and reignites the revolutionary spirit of a story that continues to inspire across the globe. Directed by the acclaimed Mpho Molepo with choreography by the dynamic Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, this new staging revives the Broadway-acclaimed musical with fresh energy, paying homage to the Ngema family's extraordinary artistic legacy. Set in Soweto during the historic 1976 student uprising, Sarafina is a vibrant, emotionally charged retelling of youth resistance against apartheid oppression. Through its electrifying performances, stirring music, and deeply human storytelling, the show celebrates the courage of South Africa's youth and honours the unsung heroines who shaped the nation's journey toward freedom. As we mark this special tribute season, Sarafina returns not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a heartfelt salute to the visionary genius of Dr. Mbongeni Ngema whose work transcended the stage and became the voice of a generation. Join us at Joburg Theatre for this unforgettable celebration of a legend, a legacy, and a nation's spirit. 'Dr. Mbongeni Ngema was not just a playwright or composer, he was a cultural warrior whose work gave voice to the voiceless and told our stories with fearless honesty and immense beauty. As the City of Joburg, it is both our duty and our privilege to honour his legacy. Celebrating him through Sarafina is a powerful reminder of how art can shape a nation's consciousness, and how one man's vision can echo across generations.' Said James Ngcobo, Artistic Director, Joburg City Theatres As Joburg prepares to host the world during the G20 Summit, staging Sarafina at Joburg Theatre right in the heart of the City of Gold serves as a bold cultural statement. It reflects the city's commitment to showcasing its rich artistic heritage on the global stage. In honouring Dr. Mbongeni Ngema's legacy during this pivotal moment, Joburg affirms its role not just as an economic powerhouse but as a beacon of African storytelling, resilience, and creative excellence.
