KAT AND THE KINGS – A SOUTH AFRICAN SUCCESS STORY

The latest Kat and the Kings production is dedicated to the memory of Taliep Pietersen who co-wrote this multi-award winning musical with the renowned singer-songwriter David Kramer in 1995. It is the only South African musical that has been performed on both Broadway and the West End, where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical in London in 1999.

When David Kramer and Taliep Pietersen's collaborated on the musical "District Six" in 1986, David became fascinated by the stories of Taliep and other cast members who grew up in the 1950s in District Six. They told of the challenges faced by 'coloured' entertainers during the apartheid era in South Africa.

"Never for one moment denying the cruel realities of apartheid and its legacy of destruction, listening to these storytellers relate their experiences of life in the District and on the road, I was struck by the humour, the resilience, the romance and Kat and the Kings was inspired by these stories", says David. The musical is set in the late 1950's and revolves around a teenager, Kat Diamond, who believes he is the best singer and dancer in the District Six area. There is an inspirational message that forms a narrative strand that runs through the piece. David continues: "It is an attempt to capture the magical quality of being young and bursting with energy and talent, of being full of hope and dreaming big dreams and of believing that anything is possible despite your situation".

When presenting a high-profile musical such as this, there is no room for error on the logistical side when setting up for the show. Electrosonic SA's Entertainment Lighting team was very much involved with the setup when the musical was staged at The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town. Kat and the Kings moved to Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre at for a limited season between September and November 2012 where Electrosonic SA's support team again assisted from beginning to end. Martin Professional Lights equipment list included the following:

• 12 x MAC 401 (LED wash)
• 4 X MAC 700 (Profile spots)
• 4 X MAC Aura (LED wash)

Other equipment:

• 1 x Compulite Vector Violet (Control)