Winnie, the Opera
Winnie, the Opera is an opera in English and Xhosa composed by Bongani Ndodana-Breen with a libretto by Mfundi Vundla and Warren Wilensky.
Contents
The original text
Based on the life of Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The opera tells the story of her life as the wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, and her role in the country's anti-apartheid struggle. The score mixes classical and African music.
Translations and adaptations
Performance history in South Africa
2011: Premiered at the State Theatre in Pretoria, directed by Shirley-Jo Finney, with the Kwa Zulu Natal Philharmonic conducted by Jonas Alber. The cast included: Tsakane Maswanganyi (as Winnie)
Sources
Official website. https://www.ndodanabreen.com/bio/
Louise Redvers. "Winnie the Opera premieres with all eyes on Winnie the spectator". The Guardian. 29 April 2011.
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