The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, voted South Africa’s Coolest Local Entertainment Place, will reopen this weekend with four live performances of Rhythms – The Gumboot Show.
In 1871, South African miners developed their own language with their gumboots. This show resurrects this part of our history, sharing the hardships and triumphs of men who had to leave their families and homes to work on the mines.
Choreographer Mduduzi Magagula and musical director Vincent Ncabashe bring the story to life with authentic traditional South African song and dance. The gumboots and the performers’ hands are the principle instruments, with their powerful pounding, beating, taping and vibrations. Guitars, piano, percussion, marimba and drums also feature in the English, Zulu and Xhosa songs.
“I wanted to create this show because I am committed to sharing this important part of South Africa realistically but memorably. The beginning of the show relays the history and then later on in the show we get to the early 1930s and go into gumboot songs. It is really about the South African miners’ history,” says director Magda Hadnagy.
“Whilst our booking processes may be slightly different due to COVID-19 restrictions, Gold Reef City will continue to provide our guests with the most thrilling entertainment experience possible while observing strict hygiene protocols.”
Feron Somiah, Gold Reef City’s Marketing Manager, adds, “To re-open The Lyric Theatre with such an energetic show which echoes the resilience and passion of South Africans, is pure joy for our team and highlights the outstanding offerings we continue to provide at Gold Reef City. Whilst our booking processes may be slightly different due to COVID-19 restrictions, Gold Reef City will continue to provide our guests with the most thrilling entertainment experience possible while observing strict hygiene protocols.”
Rhythms – The Gumboot Show will be live on stage at 5pm and 8pm on Friday, 13 November and 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, 14 November. Tickets start at R150 and can be purchased via Computicket.
Gold Reef City’s movies@ complex will re-open on 27 November, and the Theme Park will re-open on 3 December. For more information, visit www.goldreefcity.co.za.
Photo credits: John Lekota
