David Kramer’s Orpheus in Africa opened at The Fugard Theatre last night to a well deserved standing ovation!
WOW! David Kramer continues to uncover aspects of South Africa’s rich musical past and bring it into our present. Here is a story that he came across while doing research for his high-energy musical Ghoema. Did you know about Orpheus McAdoo and the Virginia Jubilee Singers?
Wikipedia tells us: Orpheus Myron McAdoo (4 January 1858 – 17 July 1900) was an African-American singer and minstrel show impresario. He toured extensively in Britain, South Africa and Australia, first with Frederick Loudin’s Jubilee Singers and then with his own minstrel companies.
Their tour began in Scotland where Orpheus met Lady Loch – the wife of the British Governor of the Cape – who invited them to Cape Town. It was here some 125 years ago that the Jubilee Singers became an unlikely overnight sensation.
David Kramer fills us in on this little known and intriguing story – and he does it in song!
With South African star tenor Aubrey Poo (Muvhango, Scandal, The Wild, Rent, Dreamgirls) in the lead role, the new young company recreates the unique vocal style of that period, singing many of the well known jubilee spirituals, such as – “Roll Jordan Roll”, “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”, “The Gospel Train” and “Down By The Riverside” as well as a number of new works Kramer has specially composed. Orpheus’s fiancé, Mattie Allen, is played by Lynelle Kenned (Blood Brothers, Showboat, Poskantoor). And in true Kramer style, the vocally strong cast is each given an opportunity to showcase their individual talent.
The highly professional and innovative technical and musical team behind this production also need to be acknowledged.
And beneath the sheer visual and vocal entertainment value, lurk the poignant themes of colonisation, race, prejudice, personal ambitions, values and humanity.
Bravo David Kramer and the the entire Orpheus in Africa team!
WHEN January 28 until February 22. WHERE Fugard Theatre, Corner Caledon & Lower Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town, 8001 TIME Tuesday to Friday 8pm, and Saturday 4pm and 8pm. COST R130 to R220. TICKETS Available from Computicket. INFO Visit
See related blog
PHOTO CREDIT: Jesse Kramer
