Portobello Pictures
"Packing enough energy to power a couple of national grids, and enough decibels to lift several roofs...exhilarating, vibrant, exuberant entertainment."
The Times
"Truly enchanting for children and adults...universally accessible, musical magic."
Time Out
"An explosion of joy from the townships of South Africa"
The Daily Telegraph
The greatest piece of music theatre performed as you've never heard it: the South African way - thirty singers, marimbas, drums and township percussion.
Played in a township setting and encompassing the nation's various languages, THE MAGIC FLUTE - IMPEMPE YOMLINGO tells the story of Prince Tamino's quest to rescue Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the Priest of the Sun.
Mark Dornford-May's production is faithful to the story and score of Mozart's opera but is totally re-imagined, bringing a fresh perspective to this heart-warming, comedic and ultimately redemptive tale of love, adventure and reconciliation.
Additional words and music are by Mandisi Dyantyis, Mbali Kgosidintsi, Pauline Malefane and Nolufefe Mtshabe, with lighting by Mannie Manim and choreography by Lungelo Ngamlana.
It's a story about the trials of life - growing up, finding the love of your life, learning to be wise.
A delight for young and old alike, with its message of reconciliation, the production won the Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival on the 9th March 2008.
Year of Production: 2007
Adaptor & Director: Mark Dornford-May
Producer: Eric Abraham
Photography by Angela Kase and Keith Pattison
Watch the trailer for THE MAGIC FLUTE - IMPEMPE YOMLINGO here.
Listen to music from THE MAGIC FLUTE - IMPEMPE YOMLINGO here.