Burgers’ creation is presented as a 21st anniversary salute to South Africa’s democracy, offering a magnificent showcase of some of the country’s finest operatic talent. Set to a score underpinned by the composer’s strong melodic drive and his bent for richly conceived vocal and orchestral writing, the heroic work is written in two acts with a prologue.

The opera focuses on key events in the struggle against apartheid, with the iconic roles of Nelson Rolihlaha Mandela and Winnie Madikizela Mandela seen as its figureheads. They share the stage with other struggle icons such as Nkosi Albert Luthuli, Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki, among others.

Aside from the principal cast, the production features a powerhouse chorus of some 60 singers who will perform with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Lykele Temmingh.

Principal casting includes soprano Charlotte Mhlongo as Gaia, with tenors Thamsanqa Mqaba and Simphiwe Mkhatshwa alternating as Ubuntu.

Baritones Monde Masimini and Njabulo Mthimkhulu share the role of Nelson Mandela, and sopranos Khumbuzile Dlamini and Nomsa Mpofu alternate singing Winnie Mandela.

Baritones Musa Ndadane and Tamsanqa Khaba share the role of Albert Luthuli, Richard Salmon plays Judge Quartus de Wet; Raimondo van Staden appears as Braam Fischer, and tenor Cobus Venter appears as the public prosecutor, Percy Yutar. Zakhona Biyase sings Zindzi Mandela and Azola Mabutho sings Swanepoel.

Tickets from R120 (R90 concessions for scholars, students, pensioners) are available through Computicket outlets at Shoprite and Checkers stores. For telephone bookings call 0861 915 8000 or book online atwww.computicket.com. Alternatively, call the Playhouse box office on 031 369 9540 (office hours).

For updates about this ground-breaking new work, log onto http://www.ubuntutheopera.net or visit https://m.facebook.com/ubuntutheopera or follow us on Twitter @UbuntuTheOpera