The Lion and The Lamb, the biblically-inspired musical which retells the story of Jesus was conceived and written by multi-award winning theatre royalty, John Kani and the late Barney Simon.
Originally created in 1993, The Lion and The Lamb comes back to the Market Theatre stage after almost a decade and coincidentally is this time playing in The John Kani Theatre which is the main auditorium within the Market Theatre complex which is named after the celebrated actor. John Kani is one of the few living legends whose acting career has spanned over 40 years both in South Africa and abroad recently featuring in the black superhero movie, Black Panther.
Directed by the equally multi-award winning director and the Market Theatre’s Artistic Director James Ngcobo, The Lion and The Lamb is certainly a musical feast for the ears!
It features impressive 11-strong cast of some of the most talented and scintillating singing talent to be found including Nokukhanya Dlamini, Avril Mkansi, Gugu Shezi, Itu Tshabane, Hlengiwe Pitso, Lebo Barole, Lerato Gwebu, Nomfundo Dlamini, Mpho Somani, Tebogo Mokoena and Thembisa Khuzwayo. This production has received rave reviews from all who have watched it.
See also: Van Wyk, The Storyteller of Riverlea is deceptively brilliant!
For all of these embarrassing riches in musical talent, Tshepo Mngoma who is the musical director must be applauded for bringing it all together and ensuring that each voice has an adequate chance to be heard and shine.
The cast backed by a full band which makes this production a holiday family treat and judging from audience reactions on the opening night – it should have a very successful season given its themes and excellent production values.
As one famous Shakespearian quote from his Twelfth Night states, “If music be the food of love, play on”, The Lion and The Lamb is both food for the ears and the soul in how it takes the audience on a rollercoaster musical ride from start to finish!
Photos by Lungelo Mbulwana
The Lion and The Lamb, written by John Kani and Barney Simon, performed by John Kani and cast is on at The Market Theatre from 22 November – 22 December 2019
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