Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera

It’s part opera, part vogueing-ball. “Think if Hamilton and RuPaul’s Drag Race had a baby in South Africa. That’s Nkoli:The Vogue-Opera!” says S’bo Gyre, co-lyricist with Philip Miller.

Following its hit run at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg in 2023, Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is coming to the Flipside at The Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, from 9 – 19 October 2024.

“Welcome to the most grandiose of balls!” The Emcee, a vogueng rapper, sashays onto the stage. He is tonight’s host. The orchestra strikes up and a chorus of 20 singers and dancers walk through a giant closet on to the ramp to the foot stomping rhythm of a single drum beat. “We’re here. We’re queer,” they chant. Multiple film screens appear at the back of the stage, as the Emcee announces: “And the category is face your adversity.”

Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is created and composed by internationally renowned composer Philip Miller, who’s recent successes include the soundtrack to the hit TV drama uShaka iLembe, his collaboration on William Kentridge’s the Head and the Load, and the Reuben T Caluza B-Side concerts with composer Tshegofatso Moeng. With lyrics co-written by the rapper S’bo aka Gyre, it’s directed by award-winning directors, Rikki Beadle Blair and John Trengove (Director, The Wound); video projections by acclaimed filmmaker Catherine Meyburgh and choreography by the internationally celebrated dancer Llewellyn Mnguni.

Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera tells the story of gay anti-apartheid freedom fighter, Simon Nkoli, an unrecognised hero in the South African struggle. Simon was imprisoned on charges of treason at the Delmas Treason Trial (1985 – 1988) and on his release organized the first pride march in Johannesburg. He played a key role in ensuring gay rights were enshrined in our constitution. Simon died in 1998 aged 41 of AIDS related diseases, at a time when antiretrovial drugs were denied in South Africa.

The opera follows Simon’s journey from his childhood in Sebokeng township, South Africa to his rise to prominence as a leader in the fight against apartheid and homophobia. It is a story of courage, determination, unity and love, set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous decades in South African history and told through protest songs, lush arias, lip-syncing, rap, huge choruses and remarkable video projections. Nkoli, is as fierce and fabulous as Simon was.

It’s a show not to be missed. Next year, it will tour internationally.

Follow @NkoliVogueOpera for more.

View the trailer of the filmed performance at The Market Theatre Production in 2023. vimeo video

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