Sibojama Theatre's SONGS OF MIGRATION Plays the Kennedy Center, Now thru 10/20

The Kennedy Center presents the exclusive U.S. premiere engagement of Sibojama Theatre's production of Songs of Migration from tonight, October 17-20, 2012 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. A musical tribute to the great songs of migrants across the African continent, Songs of Migration is a musical celebration of South Africa's cries of joy, love, conflict, resistance, sorrow, exile, oppression, patriotism, victory, and freedom, compile by internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and lyricist Hugh Masekela and written and directed by award-winning director James Ngcobo. Press night will take place tonight, October 17, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Songs of Migration is part of the etcetera! series.

Telling the stories of late-19th century migrant workers, Songs of Migration is a musical tribute of migration songs compiled and arranged by the internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and lyricist Hugh Masekela and director James Ngcobo. In this celebration of song and dance, the same dusty streets, settlement camps, and train cars that sometimes separated families echo with the centuries of indigenous sounds that gave birth to a diverse cross sectin of rich cultural heritage. They flowed from all parts of Africa, south, toward the promise of the golden city Johannesburg and a better life. Rich metals, hidden deep within the land, brought together a continent of even richer music, traditional costumes, instruments, songs, ceremonies, and dance.

The production stars Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo as Lead Storytellers and Singers and features Kuki Mncube, Gugu Shezi, and Khanyo Maphumulo. Additional performers include Bonginkosi Zulu, Happy Motha, Linda Thobela, and Bubele Mgele. The band includes Fana Zulu (bass), Ntokozo Zungu (guitar), Tshepo Mngoma (violin and vocals), Ezbie Moilwa (keyboards), and Godfrey Mgcina (percussion).

A musical celebration, Songs of Migration features songs by Mackay Davashe, Joseph Shabalala, Victor Ndlazilwane, Gibson Kente, Hugh Masekela, Dorothy Masuka, and Miriam Makeba.

Songs of Migration is currently produced by Sibojama Theatre. The original producer is the Market Theatre in Johannesburg and is based on the South African State Theatre production, The Rehearsal: 100 years of South African Music.

Sibojama Theatre Company was established in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010, after two successful seasons of Songs of Migration at the Market Theatre. The company is currently led by music director Hugh Masekela; actor, writer, and director James Ngcobo; and managing partner Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema.

Performances of Songs of Migration will run tonight, October 17-20, 2012 in the Terrace Theater at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee performance on October 20 at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $30 and are available for purchase in-person at the box office, online, or by calling (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling (202) 416-8400. Subscription packages are available for purchase by calling (202) 416-8500 or by visiting kennedy-center.org.

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