Soweto Story

by Deon Opperman[??*].

First performed at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre in March 2007 by Deon Opperman’s Packed House Productions. Based on Leonard Bernstein's ‘’Westside Story’’, the Romeo and Juliet story is reset in 21st century Soweto, to music by Janine Neethling and Zwai Bala which crossed cultures, mixing genres by using kwaito, Afro-pop, township jazz, the blues, etc. Director: Genna Davis, with choreography by Adéle Blank and Siphiwe 'Supa' Zungu, sets by Stan Knight, costumes by Sarah Roberts, lighting by Denis Hutchinson. The 29-member cast included Aubrey Poo, Hlengiwe Madlala, Relebogile Mabotja, Amos Ketlele, Thokozani Nzima, Nkoto Malebye, Siphiwe Hlabangane, Jeffrey Sebogodi, Sthembiso Mbatha, Lindani Nkosi and Smokey Chulayo. ABSA Bank sponsored the venture.