DESERT ROSE JOINS FORCES WITH TOP SA ARTISTS TO PRODUCE GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL DRAMA

Leading world music producers Desert Rose have teamed up with well–known theatre director Basil Appollis to produce and showcase a new musical drama, Silence of the Music, at the Baxter Theatre from 22 September to 3 October.

Set to original music by renowned world music composer Lynne Holmes–Ganief, the musical tells the story of an intercultural love story and features some of South Africa’s leading actors and musicians.

Silence of the Music has evolved from a partnership between Appollis and Lynne Holmes–Ganief and the duo believe this production‘s exciting combination of drama and diverse musical styles — ranging from contemporary to classical music — will offer a offer audiences a new genre of theatrical entertainment and will tell a story that will reflect South African reality.

Silence of the Music is set in South Africa in the year 2030. It tells the tale of an elderly couple, Maria and Khalil, whose intercultural marriage was rejected 20 years earlier by their families, friends and community.

The couple look back at the challenges and slights they have faced since 2010. Their personal story mirrors world movements including not only the rise of fundamentalism, but the corresponding movement towards peaceful co-existence and religious and cultural tolerance.

Maria is played by the inimitable Michele Maxwell of Isidingo and Scandal fame, while the role of her husband, Khalil, is played by veteran stage and screen actor, Fahruq Valley-Omar.

The supporting cast of top musical actors includes Loukmaan Adams (Kat and the Kings, District 6 The Musical, Ghoema) and Keenan Arrison (Shooting Stars, Madam & Eve, Fishy Feshuns, Second Time Around), while the diverse and highly talented musicians include Yusuf Ganief (leading Arabic world music vocalist and lead vocalist for Desert Rose), Antoinette Blyth (Oratorio Soprano), Belinda Silbert (Mezzo Soprano, Hebrew vocalist and well-known TV personality), Asmina Aleker (the Bollywood singer who now resides in South Africa) and Nobuhle Ketelo (award-winning traditional African actress, poet and singer).

Holmes–Ganief has composed a sumptuous musical score that reflects the rich diversity of South Africa‘s melting pot of cultural influences and it serves as the emotional conduit through which the story is told.

"Silence of the Music will sweep audiences away with its soaring themes as east meets west with strings and Tabla, Spanish guitar and African rhythms," explains Appollis.

"There is something for the classical lover as well as the indigenous and popular music lovers. The music ranges from classical Opera and haunting Gregorian chants to the soulful bliss of a Sufi prayer accompanied by Flamenco guitar and Indian Tabla, from a beautiful love ballad to the dramatic and daunting sounds of a Sangoma’s premonition," explains Lynne Holmes–Ganief.

"Desert Rose has gone beyond the music, combining their passion, their intensity and their talent in order to take us to a new place of seeing beyond our religious and cultural differences," adds Appollis. "Audiences will be able to relate to this classic contemporary love story on most levels especially in South Africa where most of us have lived in a multicultural society and dealt with the related emotional dynamics on some level or the other."

Silence of the Music is funded by a group of patrons who have come together with a common vision to promote common humanity and peaceful co–existence amongst people through music and theatre.

"Silence of the Music" will be staged at the Baxter Theatre daily from 22 September to 3 October 2010 daily at 8pm and on weekends at 5pm. Tickets are priced at R120 and can be bought through Computicket, www.computicket.co.za or call centre on 083 915 8000. Tickets can also be bought from any Shoprite or Checkers branch.

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silence_of_the_music/186120019