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Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera It’s part opera, part vogueing-ball. “Think if Hamilton and RuPaul’s Drag Race had a baby in South Africa. That’s Nkoli:The Vogue-Opera!”, says co-lyricist and rapper, S’boGyre. Following its hit run at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg in 2023, Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is coming to the Flipside at The Baxter Theatre, Cape Town, from 9 – 19 October.
Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is created and composed by Philip Miller, long-time collaborator with William Kentridge (most recently The Head and the Load) with direction by award-winning directors, Rikki Beadle Blair (UK) and John Trengove (South African Director, The Wound). Nkoli:The Vogue-Opera tells the story of gay anti-apartheid freedom fighter, Simon Nkoli. Set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous decades in South African history, the show is set within a voguing ballroom competition. Simon’s life story unfolds on the ramp, encompassing a range of performance styles including lip-syncing, rap, vogue dancing, together with video projections and archive. It’s a show not to be missed. Next year, it will tour internationally with tours being planned for the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre, London and the Apollo Theatre, New York.
press
Reuturs: South Africa's 'vogue opera' honours life of gay queer anti-apartheid activist Nkoli
The Conversation: Nkoli: The Vogue Opera – the making of a musical about a queer liberation activist in South Africa
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This vibrant campaign, draws on elements of the live vogue -opera, using video clips, song and story to celebrate Simon’s life and spark debate and action around queer rights and justice today.
Bertha Artivism Awards 2023 Cohort - Bertha Foundatation
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