King Kong – The Musical is on stage at the Fugard Theatre until Saturday September 2.
It tells the story of heavyweight boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini, whose self-appointed ring name was King Kong, to the music of Todd Matshikiza.
The 1959 production was set in Sophiatown in Johannesburg in the late 1950s.
In the title role of King Kong is actor, singer and dancer Andile Gumbi.
Actress, singer and songwriter Nondumiso Tembe will be recreating the role of Joyce played by Miriam Makeba in the original production.
A live nine-piece band, under the direction of Sipumzo Lucwaba, will accompany every performance.
Born in Vryheid in the then Orange Free State, Ezekiel Dlamini became an unwitting symbol for freedom during apartheid.
After a meteoric rise in boxing, Dlamini’s life degenerated with alcohol abuse and gang violence. In 1957, in a fit of jealousy, Dlamini killed his girlfriend. He was sentenced to 12 years hard labour. Three months later, King Kong was found drowned in a dam on a prison farm.
Tickets range from R130 to R280. Book at Computicket or the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554.
