Event information
Cape Town Opera, in collaboration with David Kramer, presents Orpheus McAdoo.
This production tells the little-known story of an African-American choir, The Virginia Jubilee Concert Company, led by Orpheus McAdoo (Conroy Scott), which visited South Africa in the 1890s.
Invited by the Governor's wife, Lady Loch (Natalie Robbie), they introduced a unique style of singing that had never been heard in the Cape before. They were an overnight sensation and went on to tour the country for the next two years.
Orpheus McAdoo, the musical, recreates how his choir sang the old spirituals more than 120 years ago. In addition to traditional songs, Kramer has created new music inspired by early American folk music, minstrel songs, early ragtime, and opera.
The show features a star-studded cast including Brittany Smith, Dean Balie, Jody Abrahams, Eldon van der Merwe, Elton Landrew, and Edith Plaatjies.
