King Kong

A reawakening of South Africa’s rich history

by David Simmons

Let’s reflect for a few moments and take a brisk walk down memory lane. It’s 1959 Johannesburg. Sophiatown is a melting pot of culture, vibrancy and not forgetting the impenetrable sounds of Jazz. People come and go, the streets are bustling in true 1950’s style and the gossip at the local bus station imbues a certain spirit of a town filled with life. At the same time, two worlds collide. South Africa is experiencing political turmoil and with Apartheid well under way, the dreams and hopes of black South African’s are but a distant yearning. The unmistakable sounds of music, dance and the legend of an iconic boxer brings us one step closer to an indescribable reawakening of our history and the recollection of a king in his own right.

How ironic that a few minutes’ drive from the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, where King Kong is currently playing, is where it all began and where our musical kicks off. Eric Abraham and Cape Town’s Fugard Theatre have richly brought to life this iconic South African hit musical, undoubtedly one of the best experiences you’ll see on a South African stage this year. It’s hard to believe that it’s been half a century since King Kong was born and its message, still draws you in with more than one theatrical punch.

For those who are not aware of King Kong’s history, this joyful musical has been around since the late 1950’s and was so iconic in its day that it was praised as one of South Africa’s biggest locally produced musicals ever. With a nearly 60-year lineage, the revival of King Kong is back and better than ever! So good in fact, that one visit to this exhilarating production won’t suffice.

The musical is based on a true story centred on one man, a heavy-weight boxing champion named Ezekiel Dlamini who famously donned the name King Kong due to his daring nature in the boxing ring. Played by Andile Gumbi, no stranger to stage and screen, he embodies the role so perfectly that you’ll resonate with the character’s vulnerability and ultimate downfall. Dlamini’s love interest in Joyce, the seductive singer and Shebeen owner of Back Of The Moon, is doomed from the start, however, their relationship is an emotional yet turbulent ride to witness. Joyce is portrayed by the enormously talented Nondumiso Tembe, who embodies a woman torn between her own independence and ulterior motives. King Kong and the role of Joyce garnered international stardom for Miriam Makeba, and no doubt Tembe’s interpretation would have made her proud.

Director Jonathan Munby did an impeccable job bringing various characters together. To add essence to the story, he worked with hugely memorable talents, such as Sne Dladla in the role of Popcorn, the local barber and narrator of the story, Lerato Mvelase as the starstruck Petal, whos love for King is far from mutual. Intertwining stories between King’s Boxing coach, played by Tshamano Sebe and his love interest Nurse Miriam, played by Ntambo Rapatle were equally enjoyable to watch.

This production is essentially a Jazz Opera with musical arrangements so exhilarating you almost forget that you are witnessing a musically staged journey of this calibre. Musically Directed by the Fugard’s Resident MD, Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, King Kong’s stand out musical numbers features the title song King Kong and Back of The Moon which will no doubt be hummed for weeks, if not months to come.

Backed by a 9-piece Jazz band, lodged between scaffolding high up on the set, will give you the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time to a smoky jazz club, a vibrant pit-stop where The Best Jazz and the Best Women come and go. This placing, together with the articulate set throughout the show, was the idea of Paul Wills who’s set design added the much needed feel of nostalgia to be as effective as the show is set out to be.

Evocative dance numbers under the choreography of Gregory Maqoma, with a high-spirited 22-member cast will practically have you leaping out of your chair. The dance sequences, all kicks, sways and ethnic exuberance, are reminiscent of a typical jazz infused era. The authentic choreography of the boxing scenes will make you feel like you’re a commentator cheering raucously at every punch and knockout.

Reworked for the 21^st century, this production of King Kong highlights the effects of love, loss, revenge, murder and regret, with the entire ensemble cast, each exquisite in their character driven roles. It’s hard to give too much away as every theatre goer, novice or expert will take home something completely unique from this richly thought out production. From the authentic sets to the moody lighting this is musical theatre at its best… It’s sad, It’s joyful but most importantly it’s powerful. I couldn’t be more overjoyed and praising of this remarkable production. The musical is South Africa and its people to a tee.

King Kong will be running at the Joburg Theatre until 8 October 2017. Tickets are available at Webtickets or at the theatre.