Designing costumes for an opera-musical that incorporates gospel, isicathamiya, R’n’B, opera and traditional Western music – and set in Biblical times – would be a daunting task for the most seasoned wardrobe mistress.
But Nompumelelo Mkhize-Lukhele, in her costuming debut, has embraced the challenge and created an impressive array of costumes that combines the colours and textures of Africa, with a modern twist, to portray the gospel story in the exciting new Easter production The African Passion.
The show opens in Durban this week before touring several major cities.
This new musical, set in biblical times, features 21 performers from various parts of the country, representing different genres of music, backed by a 60-strong choir made up of the Umlazi Oasis church choir and the Clermont Choir.
“The design brief was huge and it was an exciting challenge,” said Mkhize-Lukhele, a DUT fashion design graduate who, before this task, had worked quietly at her home in eManzimtoti sewing for private clients.
Her lucky break came when she submitted sketches to director Themi Venturas, who liked her work and decided she was the woman for the job.
With the African focus of the show, warm earthy colours and indigenous cotton prints feature prominently. Creating costumes for the roles of Jesus, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, Pontius Pilate and other powerful biblical figures was “humbling”, Mkhize-Lukhele said.
Mary Magdalene wears a stylish dress with mix-and-match frills in orange, brown and khaki. Pilate is dressed in black, suited to his austere role. Colours are emotive in the Crucifixion scene.
“Many of the costumes are of a style that could be worn today – in that way people can relate to the characters and the story. As a Christian, I found working on this production amazing and I learnt so much about the Bible.”
She also learnt a lot about costuming, what works on stage and what doesn’t, how to design garments that will withstand movement of the actors. Malfunctions are not an option.
Former ballroom and Latin American dancing champion Margie Alberts helped with the construction. Having made many competition-level ballroom dance dresses, she knows how to make clothes that work efficiently with the actor, move well on stage and look fabulous.
It’s been long hours for this busy wife and mother of two, but she is excited and honoured that the show will be touring and that her designs will be showcased in other provinces.
“I can’t wait for opening night!” she says.
* The African Passion will have its world premiere at the Umlazi Oasis Fellowship Centre on March 14 at 7pm. There will be shows on Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are R100 at Computicket. The show is produced by Catalina UnLtd and has been funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
Charities, churches and fund-raisers are encouraged to use the show to raise funds for their organisations. For details contact national sales manager Ailsa Windsor at 083 250 2690 or e-mail editor.goingplaces@gmail.com
* The eThekwini Municipality has made a bus available for The African Passion for the Saturday matinee. Book theatre tickets and reserve free bus passes through Ailsa Windsor at 083 250 2690.
