Nelson Mandela’s revolutionary struggle comes to life on stage, as the world tour of Madiba kicks off in Australia.
Many significant stories throughout history have transformed into great theatre. It is the personal struggle and triumph over adversity that will always ensure empathy from an audience. To that end, the story of Nelson Mandela, the South African anti-apartheid leader, has been brought to life in a new musical. Its title comes from Mandela’s tribal name.
Created by the French production team of Jean-Pierre Hadida and Alicia Sebrien, Madiba first premiered at Paris’s Le Comedia Theatre in 2016. The first English language version, touring here, also marks 25 years since the end of apartheid in South Africa.
Madiba begins with Mandela as a young lawyer working for his people, when he is arrested for treason and imprisoned. Throughout the production he becomes somewhat of a symbolic backdrop, while we are introduced to other characters including the white racist policeman, Van Leden, who’s daughter Helena falls for the black activist and artist William.
The couple’s forbidden romance brings in a West Side Story edge, creating not only fearful apprehension, but also a reflection of the many prejudices that still plague parts of our society. While Mandela’s ultimate release from prison and victory as South Africa’s first black president become the over-aching moments, it is ultimately redemption seen through the eyes of Van Leden that gives the show its poignant kick, but unfortunately it comes too late.
A slow start, and underdeveloped characters during the first half leaves the audience wanting more, and even scenes with Mandela seem brisk and disjointed, despite the use of great rhythmic music. Granted the second act picks up, but it doesn’t provide a much-needed momentum.
The cast includes Tim ‘Timomatic’ Omaji (So You Think You Can Dance), Blake Erickson (Cry Baby) and Tarisai Vushe (The Lion King). Barry Conrad (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Courtney Bell (The Sound of Music) play William and Helena. Rapper and Kylie Minogue support dancer David Denis, is the show’s Narrator.
Omaji, Conrad and Bell bring justice to their roles, but while Narrator Denis has great energy, the rapping can at times seem gimmicky. However, most perfectly cast is South African Perci MoeKetsi as Mandela. His wide smile and soulful eyes are an uncanny resemblance to the leader.
There are times where the musical borrows from other classics – the huddled groups of interpretive dance (Hair), the show-stomping victories (RENT) and the good versus bad operatic baritones (Jesus Christ Superstar). Such homage is not a bad thing, and considering the story is mainly set during the Sixties and Eighties, it all fits.
There’s a clever parallel to racism with the use of black and white sketches, drawn by the character of William, which also creates a backdrop. A surprise tie-in with Mandela’s grandson also makes for a significant conclusion and while Mandela’s fist in the air may look dramatic, the majesty is just not there.
Madiba is emotional and confronting, but in an era where equality is having its loudest voice yet, it could be so much more. It has great intentions and far-reaching possibilities, but a story like this could and should be as powerful as Les Miserables.
For more visit: madibamusical.com.au
