The Colony Line - Orpheus McAdoo (David Kramer)

David Kramer, in collaboration with Cape Town Opera presents Orpheus McAdoo, a new musical after the successful run of Orpheus in Africa in 2015. It tells the little-known story of an African-American choir, The Virginia Jubilee Concert Company, that visited South Africa in the 1890s. This group came to Cape Town on invitation of the Governor's wife, Lady Loch. Singing in the style delivered by McAdoo's company, had never been heard in the Cape before. They were an overnight sensation and went on to tour the country for the next two years.

In this video:
Orpheus McAdoo: Conroy Scott
Mattie Allen: Brittany Smith
Lucy Moten: Alexis Petersen
Richard McAdoo : Eldon van der Merwe
Mamie Harris: Danielle Speckman
Belle Gibbons: Ernestine Nur Stuurman
Moses Hodges: Andile Tshoni
Henderson Webb: Jason Atherton
Will Thompson: Mongezi Mosoaka
Maggie Porter: Lusibalwethu Sesanti
Madame Stewart Ball: Edith Plaatjies

Directed & Written by: David Kramer
Musical Director: Kevin Kraak

David Kramer’s Orpheus McAdoo returns to the stage in 2025, sharing the remarkable true story of the Virginia Jubilee Concert Company, whose performances in the 1890s introduced South Africa to the soul-stirring sound of jubilee singing.

Blending traditional spirituals with early American folk, ragtime, minstrel tunes and South African folk music, this production captures the spirit of a transformative era in music history. With its intricate storytelling and vibrant performances, Orpheus McAdoo is a celebration of the connections forged through music and culture.

Don’t miss your chance to see this acclaimed production at Artscape!