Overview
Synopsis
The plot centers on students involved in the Soweto Riots, in opposition to apartheid. The story is told from the point of view of an ambitious school girl actress-activist named Sarafina. She feels shame at her mother's acceptance of her role as domestic servant in a white household in apartheid South Africa, and inspires her peers to rise up in protest, especially after her inspirational teacher, Mary Masembuko is imprisoned.
Show Information
- Book
- Mbongeni Ngema
- Music
- Mbongeni Ngema
- Lyrics
- Mbongeni Ngema
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- Genres
- Drama
- Cast Size
- large
- Ideal For
- Mostly Female Cast, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
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Songs
- Zibuuylle Emasisweni (It's Finally Happening) - Company
- Niyayibona Lento Engiyibonayo (Do You See What I See) - Company
- Sarafina (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - S'Ginci, Stimela
- The Lord's Prayer - Mistress It's A Pity, Company
- Yes! Mistress It's a Pity (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela and Mbongeni Ngema.) - Mistress It's A Pity, Company
- Give Us Power - Priest, Magundane, Mistress It's A Pity, Company
- Afunani Amaphoyisa eSoweto (What Is the Army Doing in Soweto?) - Company
- Nkosi Sikeleli/Afrika - Company
- Freedom Is Coming Tomorrow - Company
- Entr'acte: Excuse Me Baby Please, Please If You Don't Mind Baby, Thank You (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - Band
- Meeting Tonight (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - Thandekile, Company
- We Are Guerillas - Thandekile, Company
- Uyamemeza Ungoma - Thandi, Students
- We Will Fight for Our Land - Thandani, Thandi, Magundane, Company
- Mama - Magundane, Thandekile, Mistress It's A Pity, Company
- Sechaba (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - Company
- Isizwe (The Nation Is Dying) - Thandekile
- Goodbye (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - Mistress It's A Pity
- Kilimanjaro - Company
- Africa Burning in the Sun (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - Company
- Stimela Sasezola - Stimela, Company
- Olayithi (It's All Right) - Company
- Bring Back Nelson Mandela (Music and Lyrics by Hugh Masekela.) - Serafina, Company
- Wololo! - Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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