The Playhouse Opera Theatre, in collaboration with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, is bringing the glorious semi-staged production of Handel’s Messiah this Easter season. Traditionally, Easter is a period of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. It is a time attributed to new beginnings. To usher you into a new season of the year, this timeless oratorio invites you on a musical journey of hope and triumph.
Composed in only twenty four days by George Frideric Handel in 1741, Handel’s Messiah follows the story of Jesus Christ through his birth, death, resurrection and ascension. The libretto was compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. This opera is one of the most revered choral works ever composed, known for its musical mastery and emotional depth.
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Handel’s Messiah explores universal themes of triumph over death, redemption, joy and hope. Its enduring popularity and cultural significance cemented its place in the choral repertoires performed in concert halls, churches and community centers all over the world. First performed in Dublin, Ireland, at the Musick Hall in April 1742, the oratorio has been performed in various notable places including The Carnegie Hall (New York), Sydney Opera House (Australia) and The Royal Albert Hall (London) where it has been staged annually since 1876.
Renowned for staging spectacular productions like Nandi the Musical (2025), The Sleeping Beauty (2024) and Sarafina! (2022), The Playhouse has been staging Handel’s Messiah for more than ten years and the cherished oratorio makes its triumphant return on the 20th of April. Conducted by the esteemed Jeremy Silver (Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly) and directed by the acclaimed Ralph Lawson (Long Day’s Journey into Night, Exit the King) this magnificent ensemble is complemented by a Chorus of 40 and four celebrated vocalists including Khayakazi Madlala (Soprano) who performed Come scoglio from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte as a finalist in the Voices of South Africa International Opera Singing Competition (2020), Bongiwe Nakani (Mezzo-Soprano) who performed Cruda sorte from Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri for the finals of Neue Stimmen International Singing Competition (2015) as well as Bongani Tembe (Tenor), artistic director KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, and Bongani Kubheka (Baritone).
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According to Ralph Lawson, the director, this production of Handel’s Messiah will be semi-staged which is a different take on how the show is usually showcased. ‘Traditionally, the work is performed without scenery, costumes or dramatic interpretation as such but our production, we hope, has taken the experience to a new level by presenting a semi-staged version. We have added a visual dimension with costumes and lighting and dramatic staging to enhance the audience’s experience of one of the greatest works ever written’ he says.
Handel’s Messiah is a revered and sacred choral masterpiece with an awe-inspiring message of hope that has captivated generations of audiences for centuries. It features captivating melodies like the iconic Hallelujah Chorus, For Unto Us A Child Is Born, And The Glory of the Lord and He Was Despised, among others.
The popular production promises a deeply moving and uplifting experience through a masterful interplay between soloists, choir and orchestra, delivering a poignant and unforgettable journey through one of history’s greatest oratorios.
George Frideric Handel’s Handel’s Messiah directed by Ralph Lawson, will be at the Playhouse Opera Theatre in Durban this Easter on the 20th of April for one show only.
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