Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Leleti Khumalo | ... | Sarafina | |
Whoopi Goldberg | ... | Mary Masembuko | |
Miriam Makeba | ... | Angelina | |
John Kani | ... | School Principal | |
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Dumisani Dlamini | ... | Crocodile |
Mbongeni Ngema | ... | Sabela | |
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Sipho Kunene | ... | Guitar |
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Tertius Meintjes | ... | Lieutenant Bloem |
Robert Whitehead | ... | Interrogator | |
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Somizi Mhlongo | ... | Fire (as Somizi 'Whacko' Mhlongo) |
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Nhlanhla Ngema | ... | Stimela |
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Faca Khulu | ... | Eddie (as Faca Kulu) |
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Wendy Mseleku | ... | China |
Mary Twala | ... | Sarafina's Grandmother | |
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James Mthoba | ... | Sarafina's Uncle |
As tensions of apartheid spread across South Africa, many students revolts to massive stone throw, a demonstration that comes in a wake of the introduction of Afrikaans language as a means of teaching. This sparks riots among school age young people who have resolved to do what it takes for freedom to come tomorrow. In a township of Soweto, a group of students, led by a beautiful and intelligent young girl, Sarafina, mastermind a plot to rise against the apartheid regime by vehemently rejecting the proposal to have Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. This angers the white people and results in a massive unrest of the students and those others supporting them. Meanwhile, Sarafina's mother accepts a job of a housekeeper in a white household and it angers Sarafina. Following the unrest of students and their possible torture and trial, Sarafina is released from prison, reunites with some of the colleagues and composes a "Freedom is Coming Tomorrow" song. Written by Isaac Museka Lupupa
I bought this cheap from the rental remnant at our local store. It was in almost mint condition, and I'd never heard of it before. Clearly nobody else had either.
I can't believe my luck. You go through the whole realm of emotions and it attempts to get over a complex message - the very moral and non-triumphalist stance of the Mandela Party, undoubtedly. Despite its enormous length (I had to watch it in two sittings) - it was like a book one couldn't put down. Perhaps the songs are not all that memorable, but the spirit of the thing glows on forever. I cannot understand comments that a musical (clearly designed for stage) is not realistic! I've seen "South Pacific" and read the book too, and can guarantee that musical is not realistic compared to the book. I'll treasure this little find until it wears out. One day they'll make this again on a better budget.