It’s a long way from Vienna to the townships of South Africa, but here Mozart’s music proves robust enough to enjoy the journey. Adapted and directed by Mark Dornford-May, this splendid production has recently moved into the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre. In it we are drawn into the colourful world of the township, and even as the overture begins it’s clear we are not in Europe any more, as all the instrumentation is provided by eight marimbas. Yet, what the music lacks in orchestral texture, it gains in innovation through the incorporation of African rhythms, spirituals and even doo-wop. (The male chorus is a revelation.) Although, with the recitative cut, this has the effect of diminishing the comic role of Papageno, it allows Tamino to shine. And with Mhlekazi Andy Mosiea singing touchingly in the role, with Zolina Ngejane as his fiesty Pamina, we have the heroic couple centre stage. Go along with an open mind and you will leave smiling – guaranteed.
