The Mysteries (Yiimimangaliso) - Garrick Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THE critically acclaimed production of The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso will complete its limited run at the Garrick Theatre on October 3, 2009, as previously announced.
Previously Posted: A new production of Cape Town-based Isango Portobello Theatre Company’s internationally acclaimed The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso will return to London in September, running for just 25 performances at the Garrick Theatre – from September 15 (previews from September 11) to October 3, 2009.
An African version of the English medieval Chester Mystery plays, these timeless biblical stories – from the creation to the resurrection – are brought to life through exhilarating songs, dance and intense drama.
The ensemble of 33 performers, playing characters from Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel, is led by South Africa’s award-winning performer Pauline Malefane, who plays God and Jesus. The score comprises vocal traditions found in South Africa and the all black cast perform in English, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Tswana and Zulu.
The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso is adapted and directed by British Director Mark Dornford-May, who has worked in South Africa for the last seven years. His work includes the films U-Carmen eKhayelitsha and Son of Man. His production of The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo) has been seen in Dublin, Tokyo, Singapore, Johannesburg, Cape Town and London (Young Vic and Duke of York’s Theatre) where it won the 2008 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.
Opera singer, actor, screenwriter and muscial director, Pauline Malefane was last in London in 2007/8 in The Magic Flute (Impempe Yomlingo).
The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso is produced and presented by film, television and theatre producer Eric Abraham, whose theatre credits include The Magic Flute, Christopher Hampton’s Embers starring Jeremy Irons, and Hugh Whitemore’s adaptation of Pirandello’s As You Desire Me which starred Kristin Scott Thomas and Bob Hoskins.
The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso has musical direction by Mandisi Dyantyis and Pauline Malefane and choreography by Lungelo Ngamlana, with lighting by Mannie Manim, costumes by Leigh Bishop and Fagrie Nasiep and puppetry by Aja Marneweck.
Since it was first seen in South Africa in the year 2000, The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso has enjoyed an extended four-and-a-half month run at the Queen’s Theatre (2002), toured worldwide and returned to London for a week’s run at the Peacock Theatre. To date, it has been seen by more than 250,000 people.
Tickets: £20 – £45 (plus concessions), previews £20 and £25.
Times: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.
NB: There will be no performance on September 28.
A Little Night Music continuesat the Garrick Theatre until September 5, 2009.
Read our review