Nkoli: The Vogue Opera

Nkoli:The Vogue-Opera is about the life of Simon Nkoli, a gay anti-apartheid freedom fighter who was imprisoned for four years in the Delmas Treason Trial (1985 – 1988).

It is created and composed by internationally renowned composer Philip Miller, who’s recent successes include the soundtrack to uShaka iLembe score; his collaboration on William Kentridge’s the Head and the Load; and the Reuben T Caluza B-Side concerts with composer Tshegofatso Moeng. Part opera, part vogueing-ball, Nkoli, is as fierce and fabulous as Simon was. “Think if Hamilton and RuPaul’s Drag Race had a baby in South Africa. That’s Nkoli: the Vogue-Opera!” says S’bo Gyre - rapper and co-lyricist with Philip.
Recommended Age: 13+


Nkoli, has been four years in the making. Its social media campaign is already becoming a phenomenon. Nkoli is directed by award-winning international UK director and screen- writer Rikki Beadle-Blair (Noah’s Ark, Stonewall). With a cast of more than 26 top singers, dancers, voguers and musicians, the production is highly contemporary in feel, with a mix of rap, opera and protest songs. Simon Nkoli is a South African icon, but many people don’t know his story. Nkoli:The vogue-opera, changes all of this. Never before in South Africa, has a vogue-opera quite like this been imagined. It talks to both opera fans and those who have never been to an opera but enjoy vogueing nights, balls and drag clubs. With choreography by Llwellyn Mnguni; costumes by the designer Mr Allofit; musical direction by Tshegofatso Moeng combined with multi-media projections by celebrated video designer, Catherine Meyburgh, and produced by Harriet Perlman (Vaya, Yizo Yizo) - it’s a show not to be missed.

Next year, it will tour internationally. Celebrate and be part of its birth in Jozi.

Follow @NkoliVogueOpera for more.