Romeo's Passion

A new work of music theatre by Umculo

Composer: Catherine Milliken; Libretto/ Direction: Robert Lehmeier

Cast to include: Rheinald Tshepo Moagi; Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi; Sibongile Mollo; Vuyisa Jack; Thabiso Masimene

Love is in the air. Love is everywhere. Sometimes Love hides. Sometimes you have to fight for it or risk your life standing up for it. Sometimes being truthful to yourself can be your biggest challenge in life.

“Romeo’s Passion”, a new work of music theatre developed by Berlin-based Australian composer Catherine Milliken and German librettist/ stage director Robert Lehmeier, examines a complex story of family and community tensions.

Following “Comfort Ye”, an award-winning work of music theatre developed by the same team in Kraaifontein, Western Cape, “Romeo’s Passion” is based on material created in collaborative workshops with young South African singers.

This is a story of love and trauma, acceptance and conflict, expectations, disappointments, revelations and challenges. This is the story of a young man coming out.

Five singers and a piano; new material and old traditions. “Romeo’s Passion” explores community issues in an innovative way, with performers running educational workshops as part of the process of developing this work. A participatory performance, it draws in its audience through active engagement.

During both the development and the rehearsal phase, Umculo will be offering participatory creative workshops for high school learners. These workshops are two hours long, and ideal for a group of up to 30 learners. Participants will sing, create, move and learn about opera and about their own musical potential. The workshops are for everyone – no special skills required – and will prepare participants for attending a performance of “Romeo’s Passion”, with follow-up.

You and your school/ community group are very welcome to be a part of “Romeo’s Passion”. For further information, please contact Shirley Apthorp, info@capefestival.com, WhatsApp 082 686 3049.

Development phase: 1-9 February, 2018

Production phase: 10 August-10 September, 2018

Performances: 11-15 September, 2018

Venue: Hillbrow Theatre, Johannesburg

What did the press have to say:

OW1218ReportageUmculoSüdafrika

Review_ Romeo_ Opera Magazine (UK)