Nkoli: The Vogue Opera at Baxter Theatre

Nkoli: The Vogue Opera to Dazzle Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre from 9 October - 19 October 2024

“Simon Nkoli was a great South African, crucial in the struggle against Apartheid and the fight for gay rights. Now his life is celebrated in Philip Miller’s vogue-opera. Rush to see it at the Baxter!”

Sir Ian McKellen

A groundbreaking fusion of history, music, dance and queer culture will take centre stage in Cape Town this October with Nkoli: The Vogue Opera, running at the Baxter Theatre from 9 October to 19 October 2024. 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 S’bo Gyre, co-lyricist with Philip Miller.

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 in Cape Town.

“Welcome to the most grandiose of balls!” The Emcee, a vogueng rapper, sashays onto the stage. He is tonight’s host.The orchestra strikes up and a chorus of 20 singers and dancers walk through a giant closet onto the ramp to the foot stomping rhythm of a single drum beat.

“We’re here. We’re queer,” they chant. Multiple film screens appear at the back of the stage, as the Emcee announces: “And the category is face your adversity.”
This avant-garde production tells the story of South African, anti-apartheid and LGBTQ+ freedom fighter Simon Nkoli.

Simon was imprisoned on charges of treason at the Delmas Treason Trial (1985 – 1988) and on his release organised the first pride march in Johannesburg in 1990. He played a key role in ensuring gay rights were enshrined in our constitution. Simon died in 1998 aged 41 of AIDS related illnesses, at a time when antiretroviral drugs were denied in South Africa. 

The opera is set within a vogueing ballroom competition and follows Simon’s journey from his childhood in Sebokeng township, South Africa, to his rise to prominence as a leader in the fight against apartheid and for LGBTQI+ rights. It is a story of courage, determination, unity and love, set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous times in South African history and told through protest songs, lush arias, lip-syncing, rap, huge choruses and remarkable video projections. 

Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is created and composed by internationally renowned composer

Philip Miller, who’s recent successes include the soundtrack to the hit TV drama uShaka

iLembe, his collaboration on William Kentridge’s the Head and the Load, and the Reuben T Caluza B-Side concerts with composer Tshegofatso Moeng. With lyrics co-written by the

rapper S’bo Gyre, it’s directed by award-winning directors, Rikki Beadle Blair and John Trengove (Director,The Wound); video projections by acclaimed filmmaker Catherine Meyburgh and choreography by the internationally celebrated dancer Llewellyn Mnguni.

The Cape Town run of Nkoli: The Vogue Opera promises to engage audiences with visually striking sets, opulent costumes, and a cast of extraordinary performers including renowned singer Ann Masina, newcomer Simbone Qonya and the amazing rapping emcee, Niza Jay.  Through its dynamic storytelling, vibrant and emotional resonance, the vogue-opera celebrates Simon Nkoli’s life and legacy and is a powerful call for justice and equality, especially for South AFrica’s LGBTQ+ community.  

Performance Details:

Venue: Baxter Theatre, Cape Town

Dates: 9 October - 19 October 2024

Showtimes: 19h30 daily, with matinee performances at 14h00 on Saturdays,

Tickets: Available at Webtickets: https://bit.ly/3MC162x 

Stay connected:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091340711007

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkolivogueopera/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/NkoliVogueOpera

Hashtag: #NkoliVogueOpera

It’s a show not to be missed. Next year, it will tour internationally.

View the trailer of the filmed performance at The Market Theatre Production in 2023. https://vimeo.com/930151723?share=copy

For media inquiries or interviews please contact:

Nicole Ditsie
nicoleditsie@gmail.com
082 591 9538