Mandela Trilogy will take to the stage next year

Wales Millennium Centre and Cape Town Opera will partner next year to present the return of Mandela Trilogy, which will open on 31st August at the Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre.

The musical is written and directed by Michael Williams and is a tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela. It tells the story of his life, from his tribal initiation rites on the banks of the Mbasha River through to freedom.

The story, which had its European premiere at Wales Millennium Centre in 2012, is told in three parts by a cast and orchestra of over 60 South African performers.

The music has been written by two different composers, so that each act is in stark contrast to the other.

Artist and creative director at Wales Millennium Centre, Graeme Farrow, explained, “Following its debut performances and fantastic reception at Wales Millennium Centre in 2012, we are delighted to be presenting Cape Town Opera’s Mandela Trilogy on a UK and Ireland tour next summer.

“Showcasing the talent of the hugely gifted Cape Town Opera’s company, this production will offer audiences a wonderful spectacle with its exceptional cast, award-winning chorus and original score. I’m delighted we are able to share the story of Nelson Mandela’s heroic and inspirational life, two years after his death. This tour is another step in the development of collaborative and exchange projects between the Centre and our strategic partner – Cape Town Opera.”

For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk.