The Mysteries - Yiimimangaliso

The Mysteries - Yiimimangaliso

The Mysteries - Yiimimangaliso

The African version of the English Medieval Chester Mystery Plays will be arriving at the Garrick Theatre in 2009 in the form of “The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso”, having appeared on a London stage earlier in the decade.

It is an internationally acclaimed production that has been seen by around quarter of a million people around the world. Though it has its routes in England, this version is presented by the South African Isango Portobello Theatre Company and will be directed by (the British director) Mark Dornford-May. As a result, Africa will be suggested through a score of South African vocal traditions, all of which will appear in five different languages – English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Tswana and Zulu.

“The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso” retells many of the familiar stories of the Bible and promises to use song, dance and drama to bring these famous Biblical tales onto the stage. To do this, it employs the talents of 33 different performers who will step into the roles of some well known figures. Cain and Abel will appear, as well as Adam and Eve and Pauline Malefane (who also works on the production as a co-musical director) stars as God and Jesus.

Malefane is an award winning singer, as well as a musical director and her work as a talented performer has seen her take on some prestigious roles. These include “Son Of Man”, which is a film that won her the Best Film Actress Award at the African Film and Television Awards. She has also performed with the Berlin Philharmonic for the New Year’s Concert, seeing in 2009. Her profile has seen her work extensively with the Isango Portobello Theatre company, having appeared in their London production of “The Magic Flute - Impempe Yomlingo” (Young Vic and the Duke Of York’s Theatre) and “A Christmas Carol - Ikrismas Kherol” (Young Vic). The former production landed a 2008 Laurence Olivier Award win for the acclaimed company. They are considered to be the largest black theatre company running in the world today and this is demonstrated by its awards and world class performers.

“The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso” is at the Garrick Theatre from Tuesday 15th September 2009 (previews from Friday 11th September 2009) to Saturday 3rd October 2009.