Two years ago the Ravinia Festival premiered the first ever-Zulu opera, Princess Magogo to critics acclaim. On June 8 and 9 they did it again with uShaka, the “epic story of music and praise poetry” about the military leader King Shaka. The 90-minute opera tells the story of the nation builder, whose military strength provoked many African tribes to unity before he was assassinated by his half brother.
The Chicago Sinfonietta orchestra vigorously performed the enormous score, as composed by Magogo writer Mzilikazi Khumalo. The 70-member Gauteng Chorister choir billowed out the climatic lyrics “We are the conquerors, we are the invincible ones” indicative of King Shaka’s militaristic power.
The black and white stage picture and costumes neutralized the concert space as the eyelike projection screen, dramatically hung center stage, looming as if an omnipotent presence.
Untraditional to the western opera style, the CS orchestra was seated upstage center and a Zulu narrator commentated on the action. Keenly drawn graphic projections moved the story forward through pictures and English subtitles.
South African artists have long interpreted the country's struggles on stage. This production of uShaka seemed to wander away from a triumphant ending as the African tribes begged for pardon over Shaka's grave, imploring him to lift the curse he has set over the country. Out of the story context, the production finale celebrated the new South Africa as the cast performed South African songs to the audience’s clapping ovation.
Erika L. Walton is an arts administrator with the Chicago Sinfonietta, currently studying non-profit management at Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. ewalton@chicagosinfonietta.org
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