Who could have dreamt that a Broadway show would be mentioned in the same breath as job creation, skills transfer and black empowerment? Or that legendary impresario Pieter Toerien would team up with former exile, Lebo M, as co-produce? Then again Disney's The Lion King isn't just another musical.
Part of this show's heartbeat is that South African composer Lebo M was part of the original New York creative team. The launch last week of this blockbuster, which will inaugurate the R100-million Montecasino Teatro theatre in June 2007, showed a marriage of politics and art.
Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa hailed this initiative as a boost to the province's creative industry's strategy and took note of the potential traffic jams.
This production, with an all-South African cast of performers and musicians, is not only a joyous homecoming but will also be a major wake-up call for all concerned.
