"Opera for Fools" by Vincent Mantsoe

When: 3 & 4 March. Where: The Market Theatre. Bookings at Computicket

The backdrop for "Opera for Fools" depicts the Shebeen lifestyle that was lived in the South African townships of Johannesburg, where it framed the centre stage for some of the dramatic events that took place between the 1970s and 1990s.

In the so-called ‘informal settlements’ of Soweto, Sophiatown and Alexandra, migrants from far and nearby neighbouring countries made new friends, all sharing the one common goal ‘to find that mighty gold and diamonds’ in the belly of the earth. In these townships, the vacuum was a recipe for crime to some, a political weapon to others. The nights would be silenced by gunfire or tsotsi raiding the dark streets like a black cat seeking its prey. Black cars with tinted windows would be either spying on individual houses or taking young ones who had been left in the streets without any care.

This work features music Deconstruction by Andrea Cera, with dancers from South Africa, France/La Réunion/Martinique. Produced by Association Noa-Cie Vincent Mantsoe, DRAC Auvergne France, with help from Conseil Regional Auvergne and Conseil General Department de l’Allier France. Co-produced by the Dance Umbrella, Johannesburg, Théatre de Aurillac France, French institute South Africa, DRAC Auvergne. As part of the Dance Umbrella 2012. More info on www.danceumbrella.co.za

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