The first production images are released today for the world premiere musical Mandela at the Young Vic Theatre, presented in proud partnership with Nandi Mandela, Luvuyo Madasa and the Mandela family, ahead of its opening night for press on 8 December.
Mandela features music and lyrics by Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky, book by Laiona Michelle, direction by Schele Williams, choreography by Gregory Maqoma and additional music and lyrics by Bongi Duma.
The production is on now until 4 February 2023, and will also be streamed globally via the Young Vic Theatre’s immersive multi-camera player Best Seat In Your House from 19 to 23 January, 2023.
It’s 1960. Young activist, Nelson Mandela, rallies the people of South Africa to protest against the racial segregation of apartheid. In 1962 he is arrested and sentenced to life in prison, where he will spend the next 27 years, taken from his wife and children, as the fight for freedom sweeps his country.
Infused with the rhythms of South Africa, this soaring new musical tells the extraordinary story of a man who changed the course of modern history – the sacrifices he made as a husband and father, and the global movement that inspired him and his comrades to keep fighting.
The cast is Michael Luwoye and Danielle Fiamanya as Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela with Gregory Armand as Vusi, Zion Battles as Bongani, Earl Carpenter as the Prime Minister, Stewart Clarke as the Warden, Hanna Dimtsu as Nomsa, Lerato Gwebu as Adelaide Tambo / Evelyn Mase, Prudence Jezile as Praise Singer, Akmed Junior Khemalai as Walter Sisulu, Blue Makwana as Gugu, Kayleigh McKnight as Susan / Erika, Posi Morakinyo as Thembi Mandela, Sneziey Msomi as Albertina Sisulu / Maki Mandela, Nomfusi Ngonyama as Zeni Mandela, Ryan O’Donnell as Joe Slovo, Adam Pearce as Kobus, Bolthale Phora as Kgatho Mandela, Shiv Rabheru as Ahmed Kathrada, Will Richardson as Piet, Leanne Robinson as Zindzi Mandela, and Ntsikelelo Nicholas Vani as Oliver Tambo.
Mandela features set design by Academy Award winner Hannah Beachler, costume designs by Fay Fullerton, lighting design by Tony Award and Olivier Award winner Jon Clark, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, projection and video design by Akhila Krishnan, orchestration by Sam Young, musical supervision by Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, musical direction by Sean Mayes and casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG. Completing the creative team are Associate Choreographer Dickson Mbi, Associate Set Designer Debbie Duru, Associate Music Director Sam Young, Associate Casting Director Richard Johnston, and Associate Directors Becca Chadder and Rochelle Wilson.
The band is Will Fry percussion/djembe, Andy Findon woodwind, Matt Elliott bass/electric, Zach Okonkwo drums, Wayne Plummer guitar/kora and Craig Wild trumpet/flugel.
Mandela will be broadcast live for four performances from 19 – 23 January as part of Best Seat in Your House the Young Vic’s immersive multi-camera player that allows audience members to pick their preferred camera angle during the live show. The broadcast experience is designed uniquely for the production, with multiple cameras positioned to offer unique perspectives of the show. Captions, audio description and BSL-interpretation will be available for every stream. Tickets for Best Seat in Your House broadcasts of Mandela are on sale at www.youngvic.org
