Harlem Stage Presents: "SARAFINA!" 34th Anniversary
Today, June 16th, marks the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. In honor of Youth Day, A. Philip Randolph Campus High School welcomed Leleti Khumalo for her special event celebrating the 34th anniversary of Sarafina!, presented in association with Harlem Stage and New Heritage Theatre Group, with an unforgettable surprise appearance by Whoopi Goldberg.
The event opened by celebrating South African artistry on Broadway, with introductions of Pearl Khwezi, who plays Nala, and Mduduzi Madela, who plays Simba, in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Pearl holds a historic place as the first South African woman to take over the role of Nala on Broadway.The opening portion closed beautifully with Pearl and Mduduzi performing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” followed by live music featuring traditional South African instruments, including the isitolotolo and djembe drum.
Then our students experienced Sarafina!.
About 40 minutes into the film, the room received an unforgettable surprise when Whoopi Goldberg walked in, joining Leleti Khumalo Together, Leleti and Whoopi reminded our students why this story still matters. Leleti spoke about why she continues to showcase Sarafina! every June 16: so young people can know their history and understand their own power. Their voices matter. Their choices matter. Their courage matters.
Whoopi reminded students that history is not something they can afford to be oblivious to. She urged them to pay attention to what is happening around them now, before conditions become so unbearable that uprising feels inevitable. “‘Cause soon you’re going to be voting, and you will have this in your hands,” she told them. “We don’t want to have to do an uprising. We want y’all to pay attention now.”
On this Youth Day, Sarafina! did what it has done for 34 years: it left young people with something to carry — a reminder that history lives through them, and that they, too, have a voice.
The event opened by celebrating South African artistry on Broadway, with introductions of Pearl Khwezi, who plays Nala, and Mduduzi Madela, who plays Simba, in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Pearl holds a historic place as the first South African woman to take over the role of Nala on Broadway.The opening portion closed beautifully with Pearl and Mduduzi performing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” followed by live music featuring traditional South African instruments, including the isitolotolo and djembe drum.
Then our students experienced Sarafina!.
About 40 minutes into the film, the room received an unforgettable surprise when Whoopi Goldberg walked in, joining Leleti Khumalo Together, Leleti and Whoopi reminded our students why this story still matters. Leleti spoke about why she continues to showcase Sarafina! every June 16: so young people can know their history and understand their own power. Their voices matter. Their choices matter. Their courage matters.
Whoopi reminded students that history is not something they can afford to be oblivious to. She urged them to pay attention to what is happening around them now, before conditions become so unbearable that uprising feels inevitable. “‘Cause soon you’re going to be voting, and you will have this in your hands,” she told them. “We don’t want to have to do an uprising. We want y’all to pay attention now.”
On this Youth Day, Sarafina! did what it has done for 34 years: it left young people with something to carry — a reminder that history lives through them, and that they, too, have a voice.