MORE ON : MADIBA THE MUSICAL @ THE STATE THEATRE

This musical was first performed in France as a concert and tableaux. The creators   Jean-Pierre Haddida and Alicia Sebrien  together with director Pierre-Yves Duchesne and producer Neil Crocker had a dream to turn their concert into a stage musical.  In order to fulfill this dream they enlisted the help of local director Dennis Watkins both to assist in the translation from the french and in the direction of the Australian production. In co-adapting this production Dennis Watkins was assisted by Dylan Haddida and the Paris productions’ original choreographer Johan Nus.

It is appropriate that this English language production had its world premiere in Australia, as shortly after his release from jail one of the first countries he visited was Australia. This was in gratitude  for the role the Australian union movement played in opposing apartheid and seeking Mandela’s release. Indeed, one of the first questions he asked upon his release was if his cricketing idol Don Bradman was still alive.

In casting the role of Mandela the directors went to South Africa. This task proved more difficult than at first glance. Most of the actors who auditioned were too short, as Mandela was a man of stature.

However, in the end, they found the perfect Mandela in Perci Moeketsi who also had considerable theatrical and musical experience. When I interviewed Mr Moeketsi I asked him if he was daunted by the prospect of playing someone with such local and worldwide admiration and respect. He said that at first he was indeed challenged but as he became used to playing the role he became more relaxed. Moeketsi’s other remarkable achievement is in the way in which he mimics the voice and rhythmic cadences of Mandela so accurately.

The red carpet was not peopled by social influencers and aspiring young actors but with members of the African community and other admirers of Mandela’s legacy. Indeed, in the opening night’s performance some of the Africans joyously ululated in response to the rhythmic dancing and singing.

MANDELA:THE MUSICAL runs until 18 November at the State Theatre.

All pics by Ben Apfelbaum