Revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela – known by his tribe as Madiba – would have been 100 this year. In celebration of his birthday and his legacy, a compelling new stage show Madiba the Musical – a Celebration of Nelson Mandela is coming to New Zealand.
Beginning its world tour in France and soon to arrive in Australia, this international production is interwoven with stories of the fight against apartheid and forbidden love in a troubled land. The musical pays tribute to New Zealand and the dramatic part it played in bringing an end to apartheid.
Also timed to mark 25 years since the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, Madiba the Musical features African dance and vocal traditions set alongside eternal love songs and stirring anthems in a show that tells of Mandela’s lifework as a lawyer and activist for peace through the story of young artist Will, who is the victim of apartheid in South Africa.
French writers Alicia Sebrien and Jean-Pierre Hadida said in creating Madiba The Musical, they wanted to tell the story of Mandela’s pursuit of peace and reconciliation in his homeland.