A captivating account of an interracial jazz opera that took apartheid South Africa by storm and marked a turning point in the nation's cultural history.

A captivating account of an interracial jazz opera that took apartheid South Africa by storm and marked a turning point in the nation's cultural history. In 1959, King Kong, an interracial jazz opera, swept across South Africa and became a countrywide phenomenon. Its performances sold out, its LP record was widely heard, and its cast became recognized celebrities. Featuring an African composer, cast, and orchestra but predominantly white directors and producers, this interracial production seemed completely distinct from any other theatrical production in the country's history. Despite being staged over a decade after the enacting of apartheid, the interracial collaboration met widespread acclaim that bridged South Africa's racial, political, ethnic, and class fissures. Widely considered a watershed moment within the history of South African theater and music, King Kong encapsulated key currents within South African cultural history. Author Tyler Fleming's gripping narrative unpacks the life of the musical, from the emergence of the heavyweight boxer "King Kong" Dlamini to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of rehearsals to the musical's 1961 tour of Britain and the later experience of cast members living in exile for their opposition to apartheid. Opposing Apartheid on Stage: "King Kong" the Musical explores the history of this jazz opera and its enduring legacy in both South African history and global popular culture.

In My Own Liberator, Dikgang Moseneke pays homage to the many people and places that have helped to define and shape him. In tracing his ancestry, the influence on both his maternal and paternal sides is evident in the values they imbued in their children – the importance of family, the value of hard work and education, an uncompromising moral code, compassion for those less fortunate and unflinching refusal to accept an unjust political regime or acknowledge its oppressive laws. As a young activist in the Pan-Africanist Congress, at the tender age of fifteen, Moseneke was arrested, detained and, in 1963, sentenced to ten years on Robben Island for participating in anti-apartheid activities. Physical incarceration, harsh conditions and inhumane treatment could not imprison the political prisoners’ minds, however, and for many the Island became a school not only in politics but an opportunity for dedicated study, formal and informal. It set the young Moseneke on a path towards a law degree that would provide the bedrock for a long and fruitful legal career and see him serve his country in the highest court. My Own Liberator charts Moseneke’ s rise as one of the country’s top legal minds, who not only helped to draft the interim constitution, but for fifteen years acted as a guardian of that constitution for all South Africans, helping to make it a living document for the country and its people.

This book focuses on how theatre can make and has made positive political and social interventions.

Desmond Mpilo Tutu, a name synonymous with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice, was a South African Anglican cleric who served as Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996. Born into a segregated society under the oppressive regime of apartheid, Tutu emerged as a beacon of hope and a powerful voice for the oppressed. His unwavering belief in human dignity and his tireless efforts to dismantle the apartheid system earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. This biography delves into the remarkable life of Desmond Tutu, exploring his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon of peace and reconciliation. It chronicles his early life, education, and conversion to Christianity, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his character and set the stage for his extraordinary contributions to society. Tutu's life was a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and bring about positive change. His legacy lives on, not only in South Africa's transition to democracy but also in the countless individuals and organizations around the world inspired by his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights. Early Life and Education Born on October 7, 1931, in Klerksdorp, a small town in South Africa's Transvaal Province, Desmond Tutu grew up amidst the harsh realities of apartheid. His family was of mixed ancestry, with Xhosa and Motswana heritage, and he experienced firsthand the discrimination and segregation that defined the lives of Black South Africans under apartheid. Despite the challenges he faced, Tutu was a bright and inquisitive child. He excelled in his studies and was particularly drawn to literature and history. After completing his primary education, he attended St. Peter's College in Johannesburg, where he continued to excel academically and demonstrated a strong leadership potential. Conversion to Christianity At the age of 14, Tutu experienced a profound spiritual awakening that transformed his life. He converted to Christianity, finding solace and inspiration in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This newfound faith instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to social justice, values that would guide his actions throughout his life. Pursuing a Calling Driven by his newfound faith and a desire to serve others, Tutu initially pursued a career in teaching. However, his deep concern for the plight of his fellow Black South Africans led him to consider a path in theology. In 1951, he enrolled at the Pretoria Bantu Normal College, where he trained to become a teacher. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Africa and a Master of Arts degree in theology from the University of London. Ordination and the Start of a Lifelong Journey In 1955, Tutu was ordained as an Anglican priest, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving his community and advocating for social justice. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Anglican Church, becoming the first Black Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg in 1975. As Tutu's profile grew, so did his influence. He became a vocal critic of apartheid, speaking out against the injustices of the system and demanding change. His fearless advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice made him a target of government repression, but he remained undeterred. The Path to Global Recognition Tutu's unwavering dedication to dismantling apartheid and his unwavering belief in the power of reconciliation earned him international recognition. In 1984, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the struggle against racial oppression. As Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996, Tutu played a pivotal role in South Africa's transition to democracy. He chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a body tasked with healing the wounds of apartheid and promoting reconciliation between the country's diverse communities. A Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation Desmond Tutu's life was a testament to the transformative power of hope, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. He emerged as a beacon of hope for millions of South Africans during the dark days of apartheid, and his legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to fight for equality and human rights.

This fresh interpretation of apartheid South Africa integrates histories of resistance with the analysis of power - asking not only why apartheid was defeated, but how it came to survive for so long.

This book identifies the key 'actors' whose visions and strategies are crucial to the pattern which change will take in South Africa. These actors, their visions and 'strategic logic' were subjected to a critique by their researchers in the light of contemporary South African 'realities'.