A Man of Good Hope
Based on the book by Jonny Steinberg. Adapted by Isango Ensemble
A Young Vic and Isango Ensemble Production co-produced by The Royal Opera, Repons Foundation, BAM and Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg
The true story of one refugee’s epic quest across Africa, brought to life with music from the world-renowned Isango Ensemble.
Asad is a young Somali refugee with a painful past, miraculously good luck and a brilliant head for business. After years in a refugee camp and then learning to hustle in the streets of Ethiopia, he sets off for the promised land of South Africa. But when he arrives, he discovers the violent reality of life in the townships - and his adventures really begin.
The critically-acclaimed South African Isango Ensemble return to the Young Vic after the Olivier Award-winning The Magic Flute. This adaptation of Jonny Steinberg’s riveting book is told through roof-lifting songs and dance accompanied on the marimba.
A collaboration with the Royal Opera House.
★★★★★ “Bursting with life, this is a full-blooded hymn to hope” Daily Mail
★★★★ “Isango Ensemble’s musical has marvellous songs and breathtaking acting” The Observer
★★★★ “A terrific slice of musical theatre - this fiercely topical show is a real treat” Mail on Sunday
★★★★ "Glorious, vibrant musical theatre that speaks to the biggest concern of our age" Financial Times
★★★★ “An extraordinary, magical piece of theatre – all politicians should go” The Times
★★★★ "Exhilarating and inspired - I urge everyone to see this show" The Guardian
★★★★ "Heartbreaking, with dynamic choreography and beautiful music" Time Out
★★★★ "A gorgeous score that bubbles with life - profoundly stirring" The Independent
★★★★ "Powerful and vivid, Asad's story unfolds in joyous ensemble singing" Evening Standard
Direction Mark Dornford-May | Conductor Mandisi Dyantyis | Music Direction Mandisi Dyantyis & Pauline Malefane | Movement Lungelo Ngamlana | Light Mannie Manim | Speech and Dialogue Lesley Nott Manim | International Producer Claire Bejanin
With Noluthando Boqwana, Thobile Dyasi, Ayanda Eleki, Thandokazi Fumba, Zamile Gantana, Siphosethu Juta, Nontsusa Louw, Sifiso Lupuzi, Pauline Malefane, Phielo Makitle, Zanele Mbatha, Katlego Mmusi, Zoleka Mpotsha, Siyanda Ncobo, Cikizwa Ndamase, Busisiwe Ngejane, Sonwabo Ntshata, Luvo Rasemeni, Khanya Sakube, Sindiswa Sityata, Tshepo Skosana, Masakane Sotayisi, Luvo Tamba, Ayanda Tikolo
Direction Mark Dornford-May,
Conductor Mandisi Dyantyis,
Music Direction
Mandisi Dyantyis &
Pauline Malefane,
Movement Lungelo Ngamlana,
Light Mannie Manim,
Speech and Dialogue
Lesley Nott Manim,
International Producer
Claire Bejanin
With
Noluthando Boqwana,
Thobile Dyasi,
Ayanda Eleki,
Thandokazi Fumba,
Zamile Gantana,
Siphosethu Juta,
Nontsusa Louw,
Sifiso Lupuzi,
Pauline Malefane,
Phielo Makitle,
Zanele Mbatha,
Katlego Mmusi,
Zoleka Mpotsha,
Siyanda Ncobo,
Cikizwa Ndamase,
Busisiwe Ngejane,
Sonwabo Ntshata,
Luvo Rasemeni,
Khanya Sakube,
Sindiswa Sityata,
Tshepo Skosana,
Masakane Sotayisi,
Luvo Tamba,
Ayanda Tikolo
Isango Ensemble's Ayanda Tikolo and Mandisi Dyantyis in conversation with Rivka Jacobson of Plays to See
"It's a story in an obscure Cape Town township, but now that story is everywhere." Artistic Director David Lan, Mark Dornford-May and members of Isango Ensemble spoke to the New York Times about the present-day parallels of Asad's journey in A Man of Good Hope
Artistic Director David Lan speaks to London Calling about Asad's journey and 'incredible resilience' in A Man of Good Hope
Isango Ensemble's Pauline Malefane spoke with theatreVoice about performing A Man of Good Hope in London
"It is a story that the whole world needs to see" Isango Ensemble's Pauline Malefane and Mandisi Dyantyis discuss bringing Jonny Steinberg's book to life on stage with Evening Standard
BBC World Service sat down with Isango Ensemble's Mandisi Dyantyis and Pauline Malefane to discuss why telling Asad's story is so important
Jonny Steinberg talks to Evening Standard about the Isango Ensemble retelling his story, A Man of Good Hope, through music