The only South African opera company Cape Town opera is bringing its own version of Porgy & Bess to the UK. The team has taken its inspiration from depictions of township life in Soweto during the 1960s leading up to the disbanding of apartheid.

According to the group, many communities in South Africa are rife with unemployment, poverty and class-segregation and this emotional experience is intended to inform this company’s production of the popular opera.

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‘The spirit of the South African people is a unique one and Cape Town Opera is home to many singers from different cultures and communities who bring to their performance their extraordinary voices, their hearts and their souls,’ said CTO artistic manager Christine Crouse. ‘With this performance of Porgy & Bess we strive to reflect a true sense of our people in South Africa.’

The tour takes in the Wales Millennium Centre, the Royal Festival Hall and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre throughout October. For further details visit www.capetownopera.co.za.