MANDELA TRILOGY | STAGE REVIEW
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thurs 25 Aug
Knowing the basic facts of South African anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela is a plus for anyone attending this production, but being able to learn even more on his background and history and follow his incredible journey from a young boy to finally leaving prison in stage form proves quite moving. This joint collaboration between the Wales Millennium Centre and Cape Town Opera sees over 60 talented South African performers take centre stage, in an emotional portrayal of the former South African president and those closest to him.
Split into three acts, each separate scene and scenario gives a totally different outlook and feel of the life of Madiba. In Act One’s depiction of Mandela’s early days in the Thembu Tribe, he partners up with his cousin, Justice and begins his fight for freedom and starts his journey to Johannesburg. Act Two is a highlight: set in pre-eviction Sophiatown we are introduced to Mandela’s womanising ways and first see his three love interests – then-wife Evelyn, jazz singer Dolly, and new acquaintance and future wife, Winnie. Some great jazzy, soulful numbers are a stark contrast to the operatic take on Acts One and Three.
Following his arrest, Act Three starts in the subsequent court room trial and we are seen Mandela sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island. We see first-hand the emotional rollercoaster he endured during his 27 years incarcerated, and watch intently as a much older and wiser Nelson is finally freed and makes his important first speech as a free man on Cape Town’s Grand Parade.
Whether you’re familiar with Mandela’s journey or not, it is an incredibly fascinating watch and must be somewhat emotional for those with close ties to the harrowing background and themes of the history portrayed. The cast are all stars in this story, the three Mandelas uncanny in their portrayal. Thato Machona’s tribal Mandela gives us an interesting insight to his early years; Peace Nzirawa’s booming jazz vocal stands out in Act Two at the peak of the freedom fight, while Aubrey Lodwyk is great throughout and brings a much needed emotional aspect to the prison years and the finale.
A clever, interesting and thought provoking performance all round, effectively executed by a very talented cast and crew.
words OWEN SCOURFIELD