A new production of South African musical The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso will come to London’s Garrick theatre for a short run from 11 September to 3 October (press night 15 September).
The show, which enjoyed several runs in London from 2001-03, is a version of the English medieval Chester Mystery plays, adapted by Mark Dornford-May, who directs his Cape Town-based Isango Portobello Theatre Company in this new production.
The Mysteries – Yiimimangaliso brings to life the biblical stories through song, dance and drama, with an ensemble of 33 performers playing characters from Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel, led by award-winning performer and co-musical director Pauline Malefane as God and Jesus. The production’s score comprises South African vocal traditions and is performed in five languages.
Isango Portobello returns to London following the success of its double bill The Magic Flute – Impempe Yomlingo and A Christmas Carol – Ikrismas Kherol which played at the Young Vic over Christmas 2007 before The Magic Flute – starring Malefane as the Queen of the Night – transferred to the Duke of York’s theatre and won Best Musical Revival at the 2008 Laurence Olivier Awards.
Currently at the Garrick theatre is Trevor Nunn’s revival of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music which is booking to 5 September.
CB