The Magic Flute - Impempe Yomlingo May 28, 2009

This life-enhancing, joyous production is a piece of opera as you’ve never heard it before – the South African way!

Mozart’s The Magic Flute follows Prince Tamino on his quest to rescue Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, in a journey towards self-knowledge, compassion, tolerance and enlightenment. Mozart’s original music is rescored to African marimbas, drums and township percussion which replace the traditional orchestra and bring a fresh perspective to this heart-warming and comedic tale of love, adventure and reconciliation.

Based in Cape Town, with many of its performers hailing from the township of Khayelitsha, Isango Portobello specialises in re-imagining classics from the Western theatre canon within an African setting, creating new work that is relevant to the heritage of the South African nation. At the heart of the company are the extraordinary musical abilities of its performers.

The Independent
"Mozart magic meets African brilliance… a possible musical future that is hard to watch without a lump in the throat. It speaks directly out of the townships, yet it’s entirely true to Mozart."

The Times
"Packing enough energy to power a couple of national grids, and enough decibels to lift several roofs… exhilarating and vibrant."

Time Out
"Truly enchanting for children and adults. Warm, collective, universally accessible, musical magic."

Official Website: http://2009.singaporeartsfest.com/event/view/name/the_magic_flute/