November 6, 2024 | Theatre,

South African Productions at ArtsEmerson

ArtsEmerson is proud to be Boston’s leading presenter of contemporary world theater, and with that, we have had the honor of bringing shows from around the globe to our stages – including a number of performances from South Africa! In anticipation for our next show of the season, Life & Times of Michael K, which comes to us from Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre Centre, let’s take a look back at some past productions from the Rainbow Nation:

1. Mies Julie (2013)

Life & Times of Michael K is not the first time the renowned Baxter Theatre Center has joined us at ArtsEmerson! In 2013, Boston audiences were lucky enough to see their performance of Mies Julie, directed by acclaimed South African-born playwright and director, Yael Farber. This adaptation of August Strindberg’s classic work reimagined to take place on a South African farm 18 years after the end of apartheid, where the struggles of contemporary South Africa were revealed in a fierce battle over power, sexuality, memory, mothers and land.

2. The Magic Flute (2014 & 2019)

South Africa’s celebrated Isango Ensemble made waves in Boston both in 2014 and again in 2019 with their acclaimed reimagining of Mozart’s famous opera. With a score transposed for wondrous musical instruments including oil drums and marimbas, this energetic ensemble composed of artists from the townships around Cape Town delighted audiences in two different seasons.

3. uCarmen and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2015)

Isango Ensemble returned to ArtsEmerson in 2o15 with two new operatic adaptations: uCarmen and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Based on the famous opera, uCarmen transported audiences us to a modern South African township to follow the story of Carmen, a strong, independent woman who will not be tamed. Meanwhile, A Midsummer Night’s Dream stayed faithful to the original work, creating a spellbinding atmosphere that showcased a truly unique, dreamlike world.

4. Dreaming Zenzile (2022)

In 2022, GRAMMY-nominated music sensation Somi and director Lileana Blain-Cru brought this new musical based on the life and music of South African superstar Miriam Makeba to the Emerson Paramount Center. Somi Kakoma presented Makeba’s life as a series of dream-like memories during what would be her final concert, delivering the performance of her life, raising both the conscience and consciousness of a people.

ArtsEmerson’s relationship with South Africa continues with the upcoming staging of Life & Times of Michael K, a sure to be must-see show based on the Booker Prize-winning novel written by J.M Coetzee. This production, brought to life by intricate marionettes, runs at the Emerson Paramount Center from January 31-February 9, 2025! Tickets for all performances are available for purchase on our website, over the phone, or in person at the Box Office. We look forward to sharing this stunning production with you in the new year!