The Mysteries: An Epic Biblical Drama

A workshopped multilingual operatic play by Mark Dornford-May and the original cast.

Sometimes billed as The Mysteries: An Epic Biblical Drama, or alternatively Yiimimangaliso - The Mysteries, depending on where it is played or discussed.

The original text

Workshopped at Spier estate in Stellenbosch with the South African cast by Mark Dornford-May, and including dialogue and songs in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu.

Based on the medieval Chester Mystery plays, focusing on various stories from the Bible.

Isango Ensemble

The Baxter Theatre, Cape Town

The Garrick Theatre, London's West End

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

2001: First staged as part of the Spier Festival (in collaboration with Broomhill Opera Company) in December 2000 to January 2001 in the Spier Amphitheatre, directed by Mark Dornford-May, with a multi-cultural cast of 34 amateur players including Vumile Nomanyama (as Jesus), Andries Mabalo Mhali (as Lucifer) and Sibusiso Ziqubu (as Noah). Music and musical direction by Charles Hazlewood.

2001: Staged by the Broomhill Opera Company and the Spier Festival at Wilton's Music Hall, London in July, in repertory with Carmen by the same company.

2002-2008: The same production was staged in London's West End in February 2002.

2009: The Isango Portobello company production was revived at the Garrick Theatre, London, with one signigificant change, namely God and Jesus was now played by a woman (Pauline Malefane).

2010: Now It played the opening season of The Fugard theatre in Cape Town.