BWW Reviews: Isango Ensemble Brings Magical Stagecraft to Mozart's MAGIC FLUTE

Mozart and Marimbas.

That may sound like a kitschy lounge record from the early Sixties, but nothing could be further than the truth.

If you have not heard the delightful overture to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera THE MAGIC FLUTE played on the warm and percussive marimba then you have not seen the Isango Ensemble's adaptation.

Now bringing their unique two-show touring repertory to Shakespeare Theatre Company's Lansburgh Theatre, the Isango Ensemble offers their multicultural take on the Mozart opera and Shakespeare's epic love poem VENUS AND ADONIS. This is a limited run and I would offer it is must-see theatre.

What makes them unique? As STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn has said, "Isango's repertory takes two piece from the Western canon and frames them in modern South Africa" from whence they come. The ensemble was developed by Director Mark Dornford-May and Music Director Pauline Malefane in Cape Town more than a dozen years ago. The performers are drawn from the townships surrounding the city. Their reach is truly global and Washington is just one of the stops on their world tour.

THE MAGIC FLUTE - IMPEMPE YOMLINGO distills the characters, story and music from one of the most popular operas in the Western repertoire. Perhaps it's a stretch for a music purist to hear Mozart's familiar trills and runs performed on the marimbas and a variety of percussion instruments, but for my ears, the sound was warm and filled with a depth of sound and feeling that was infectious. Like a silent magician, conductor Mandisi Dyantyis evoked nuances and expression from his enthusiastic orchestra. I was hooked from the first downbeat.

Once the adaptation of the opera began to unfold on the open, raked stage, it was clear not only the essence of the story was intact, the glorious arias and ensembles would be sung with grace, beauty and a cast of gifted singers. My only caveat: some of the singer-actors possessed thick accents and tried to compensate with crisp diction when they sang in English, but phrases were occasionally lost. (And opera-goers are frequently spoiled by projected supertitles; here there were none.)

Tamino - the warm and effortless tenor Mhlekazi (Wha Wha) Mosiea - is rescued from a beast by the three ladies. He meets the cowardly bird catcher Papageno - the hilariously charming Zamile Gantana - who begins to help find the princess Pamina - the clear-voiced Zolina Ngejane - on orders from the mysterious Queen of the Night - Pauline Malefane, in stunning voice. The conflict between the Queen and Sarastro, leader of a secret society also still plays out. Sarastro was performed by the impressive and sonorous basso Ayanda Eleki.

(It should be noted, in opera fashion, many of the principal roles alternate. These performers were on during the performance I attended.)

These actor-singers were ably supported by a talented ensemble of singer/ dancer/ musicians who seamlessly transitioned from offstage percussion duties to ensemble members throughout the evening.

Dornford-May's vision of setting the opera in a contemporary, theatrical landscape of South Africa enhances the story and the production. It is grounded, simple and allows the storytelling to take center stage as the performers shift from the magical poetry of the songs to the earthy lyricism of their language and rhythms from their South African home. This was a true ensemble.

Also serving to complement the staging were the stunning moments when the ensemble would raise their voices in haunting choral singing using Mozart's themes while making the music and interpretation their own.

The multi-cultural costumes designed by Leigh Bishop served to root the production in the ensemble's native land.

On opening night, there were a number of small children and teens, which warmed my heart. Isango's THE MAGIC FLUTE is perfect for any age.

Shakespeare Theatre Company presents ISANGO ENSEMBLE's THE MAGIC FLUTE at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. throught September 21, 2014. Tickets range from $20 to $80. Box office: 202.547.1122 or click HERE

PHOTO CREDIT: Keith Pattison

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