Michael Charton - SONG FOR SOPHIATOWN

SONG FOR SOPHIATOWN is Michael Charton's new story-show tracing the dramatic arc of 1950s and '60s South Africa, through the lens of popular culture and an extraordinary, interwoven generation of artists and leaders: Henry Nxumalo, Miriam Makeba, Arthur Goldreich, Hugh Masekela, Todd Matshikiza, Trevor Huddleston, and Desmond Tutu.

The story contrasts the warmth of humanity with the cold machinery of the state, as these protagonists are all drawn (unwillingly) into politics through a series of seminal moments which remain foundational to our national identity: the Defiance Campaign through Sophiatown and the Freedom Charter; the Women’s March into the Treason Trial; Sharpeville; Liliesleaf; and the Rivonia Trial ...

SONG FOR SOPHIATOWN is an ode to a generation of creative talent, whose work and resilience carried the baton of hope against overwhelming odds, so inviting our generation to do the same.