Madiba opera closes after three nights

AN opera telling the life story of the late Nelson Mandela ran for only three performances before it closed down due to lack of funds, its producer said yesterday.

Madiba: The African Opera premiered on Friday at the grand State Theatre in Pretoria but was forced to close three days later when it ran out of money to pay performers.

"This is due to non-payment from Lotto," producer Unathi Mtirara said. He is Mandela's grandnephew.

"We are still waiting for them to pay. We couldn't continue pending that deal."

The opera, which tells the early life of the anti-apartheid icon, was supposed to be moved to Mandela's childhood village and final resting place, Qunu in the Transkei, from Pretoria. It was then to tour South Africa before heading overseas.

The State Theatre confirmed the cancellation of performances but refused to give details on the private production. The National Lottery is a source of funding for many art programmes and charities, but does not cover some of the applicants. – AFP