Meropa
Meropa (Sotho for drums) is the title of a variety musical show of the 1970s, originally conceived and created through an improvisational process by Cocky Thlothlalamaje and the Phoenix Players.
Also known as Isintu, KwaZulu or Meropa: The Drums of Africa.
The play
The original play was devised by Cocky Thlothlalamaje with the Phoenix Players, with original songs and music by Victor Ntoni, using music drawn from traditional tribal folklore, and was initially named Isintu.
The text was subsequently adapted by Corney Mabaso and was then reworked by Canadian director Clarence Wilson with the group and and taken on a 3 month tour of Japan and the Far East under the new name of Meropa.
On their return, the show was enlarged and restaged by Brickhill-Burke to re-open the refurbished His Majesty’s Theatre in Johannesburg in 1974.
The piece was at one time also renamed to KwaZulu for its season in London.
Performance history in South Africa
1974: Meropa, the Drums of Africa presented by Joan Brickhill and Louis Burke. Claimed to have been conceived, devised and designed by Clarence Wilson in the programme, the piece was directed by Joan Brickhill, Louis Burke and Clarence Wilson. Choreography by Josh Makhene and Joan Brickhill. Assistant Director: Josh Makhene. Lighting designed by Louis Burke.
Sources
Theatre programme (Phoenix Players production) held by NELM: [Collection: MARKET THEATRE]: 2014. 7. 362.
Theatre programme (1974 production) held by NELM: [Collection: KORT, Maurice]: 2012. 379. 21. 47.
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