NOVEMBER 2016
Last November we were extremely lucky to have Steve Todd, otherwise known by his nomme de plume as Ace Books, writing and directing a play for us. Many of our local theatregoers know that he writes and produces his own plays for his own group, but we were thrilled that he asked many of our members to participate in this latest venture.
The play, 'TODD, MAGIC GEEZER' concerned Todd Matshikiza, a South African jazz pianist, composer and journalist. In the late 1950's he wrote and produced the first all African Jazz Opera about the boxer known as 'King Kong'. It was huge success and transfered to London's West End in 1960. It was, however, hugely controversial as, not only was his partner lyricist a woman, she was white.
This sparking, witty play, charts the creation of the musical with strong characters, charm and heart. It included a few of the songs that were used in the musical, but it is definitely a play with music, rather than just a straight forward musical.
Being an unknown quantity, audiences at the theatre could have been larger. But everyone that saw it said what an insightful and intelligent play it was, giving a rare view of the struggles and daily trials of people living through apartheid.
The play, 'TODD, MAGIC GEEZER' concerned Todd Matshikiza, a South African jazz pianist, composer and journalist. In the late 1950's he wrote and produced the first all African Jazz Opera about the boxer known as 'King Kong'. It was huge success and transfered to London's West End in 1960. It was, however, hugely controversial as, not only was his partner lyricist a woman, she was white.
This sparking, witty play, charts the creation of the musical with strong characters, charm and heart. It included a few of the songs that were used in the musical, but it is definitely a play with music, rather than just a straight forward musical.
Being an unknown quantity, audiences at the theatre could have been larger. But everyone that saw it said what an insightful and intelligent play it was, giving a rare view of the struggles and daily trials of people living through apartheid.
