South African Theater Troupe Dimpho Di Kopane's New York Debut Oct.27-Nov.28

Dimpho Di Kopane (DDK), the internationally acclaimed lyric theater company from South Africa, will be making its New York debut presenting four distinctly South African productions in repertory, from October 27 - November 28 in the 300-seat Synod Hall at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The company will be performing as part of Season South Africa, the Contemporary Visual and Performance Arts program that is being presented in New York, September 2004 through January 2005.

The multilingual productions presented will have a total of 25 performances and will include Yiimimangaliso The Mysteries, U-Carmen, Ibali looTsotsi The Beggar's Opera and IKumkanikazi yeKhephu The Snow Queen.

Dimpho Di Kophane, meaning "combined talents" in Sotho, has produced shows that are among the most widely recognized and praised musical performances originating in South Africa. DDK commenced in 2000 when Mark Dornford-May and Charles Hazlewood, then Artistic Directors of Broomhill Opera in London, were approached to form a music theater company in Cape Town. The intention was twofold—to provide an opportunity for South Africans to develop their musical performance talents, and to promote South Africa's inherent musical talent both locally and abroad. Since its founding, the 40-member company has achieved wide international critical acclaim playing to sold out houses on four continents.

Central to what gives the company its depth, character and passion is the diversity of its members, many of whom had little or no formal musical training before joining the company. DDK works through the creative force and energy of each and every member. It is this mixture and clash of its cultures and experiences, as well as its unique way of working collectively, that enables it to create work of the highest caliber.