Mandela Tales Production - 27.07.14
Mandela Tales is an enchanting music theatre production devised and directed by composer/musician Shirley J. Thompson. It features exquisite stories from across the African continent, drawn from the Honourable Nelson Mandela’s favourite African folk-tales. It was his wish that children around the world experience the magic of reading and listening to African folktales.
The premiere performance of Mandela Tales sold out at the South Bank Centre's Imagine Children’s Literature Festival in 2012, with a high demand for further performances. The production toured to Cape Town, South Africa in 2013 with the famous Gordonstoun School, after an invitation from the GREAT British Week of Arts and Culture in South Africa. Again, the production delighted audiences at the Baxter Theatre and the V&A Pavilion in Cape Town.
Shirley J. Thompson’s evocative musical score is filled with soulful classical orchestrations and delectable Township music overtones. Together with a series of mystical stories, song and dance, the audience may revel and sway in their seats (and even on their feet) as children and families enjoy the production.
“When I read the stories I was deeply moved and hoped in creating this production that I could put across their profundity. I love folk tales and storytelling and feel that these traditional myths offer delightful lessons for children (and for the young at heart!). We were brought up on the Grimm Fairy Tales and yet these African tales, that are so powerful and intriguing to young people, are little known in the UK. I was determined to find the right cast to convey their magic and humour in this original production. By the young people’s enjoyment and outwardly positive reception, I am richly rewarded by my efforts.” - Shirley J. Thompson.
Dane Jeremy Hurst, winner of the National Dance Awards in 2014 joins Shirley J. Thompson’s Virtuoso Friends (orchestral soloists, piano, voice).
The event will be held at Rich Mix Main Space | Unreserved Seating
