
Third World Specific, a brand-new musical tailored from an epic poem of the identical title, is ready to premiere on the Joburg Theatre in what is predicted to be a charming theatrical show that rediscovers South Africa from the daybreak of democracy to the current and past. Initially penned by anti-apartheid stalwart Wally Serote, the musical is co-produced and directed by arts administrator Shadrack Bokaba and internationally acclaimed choreographer Gregory Maqoma, with music composed by Mark Cheyne.

The present will debut on the revered Mandela stage between Sunday, 18 September and Sunday, 25 September 2022 as a part of the theatre’s Sixtieth-anniversary celebration.
Cheyne composed jazz-infused music for the present, which incorporates songs by South African legends reminiscent of Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, and Mariam Makeba. The music weaves via the choreography and reconstructs truths, making a magnified view of a time we have come to know and the dream of tomorrow.
The manufacturing options a few of South Africa’s greatest musical expertise, together with Joel Zuma; actor, singer, voice artist and dancer Lebo Toko; actor, singer, voice artist and presenter Ziyanda Yako, Thokozani “Zano” Nzima; multi-talented dancer, vocal coach, voice-over artist and actor King B; in addition to actress and singer Ayanda Sibisi. The solid can be accompanied by the Vuyani Dance Theatre ensemble and members of the Nationwide Philharmonic Orchestra of South Africa.
The orchestra can be led by pianist Bokani Dyer, who can also be the music director for the present, and can function some well-known names in music, together with Sydney Mavundla on trumpet, Sisonke Xonti on saxophone and clarinet, Lucas Senyatso on bass guitar, and Billy Monama on guitar.
Andrew Timm, the manufacturing designer, plans to show the revered Mandela stage right into a magical theatre that enhances the manufacturing’s story. The stage is ready to move the viewers to the journey of exiles returning to Johannesburg from New York’s Grand Central Station.
Timm says the thrilling factor about Third World Specific is that it’s a new musical, making the manufacturing design a clean canvas.
“The set is specifically designed graphics mapped to eight LED screens on the stage, offering the backdrop to Third World Specific, together with an LED proscenium arch and three motorised screens that transfer in varied instructions, permitting us to vary the structure of the stage to swimsuit the varied places we’re creating graphically as backdrops to the motion,” he explains.
Serote’s Third World Specific narrates the ambition and hopes South Africans had forward of the daybreak of democracy.
“It’s the early Nineties, and phrase is out that South Africa is heading in direction of a brand new daybreak. All these trapped within the corridors of the world in exile, are dashing dwelling to catch the Third World Specific,” entices a publicist.
The musical is being tailored to the stage by Bokaba, who has been on an expedition to show the literary work right into a theatrical efficiency since 2016. He first pitched the thought to Serote, its creator, from whom he obtained an endorsement.
“We want inspiration and discourse that may transfer us ahead as Africans right here at dwelling and within the Diaspora. We have to develop the power to innovate and regenerate the power of our continent with a cultural renaissance that can be knowledgeable by our music,” Serote informed Bokaba.
Since then, the Third World Specific has turn into a theatrical mission, and Bokaba the visionary behind it.
Tickets for the Third World Specific vary in worth from R200 to R380 and can be found from the Joburg Theatre, www.joburgtheatre.com.
Written by Dakalo Ramudidibi
12/09/2022