Steppenwolf Theatre & Ladysmith Black Mambazo Join Creative Forces (Again)
WDCB’s Gary Zidek has the story of how Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere musical, LINDIWE, was born.
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“I’ve never watched a process like it, it’s been really remarkable to watch. I think it involves a lot of trust, and I don’t think that it’s a surprise, because they’re both ensembles. Both (Ladysmith Black) Mambazo and Steppenwolf are ensemble-based organization(s), they know how to feed each other.” - Jonathan Berry, co-director of Steppenwolf’s world premiere LINDIWE.
LINDIWE writer and co-director Eric Simonson and co-director Jonathan Berry
Steppenwolf Theatre and multiple time Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo have come together to create a world premiere musical, titled LINDIWE. The production, which just opened, represents the third time Steppenwolf and Ladysmith Black Mambazo have collaborated. The first time was in 1992, when Steppenwolf ensemble member Eric Simonson directed a production titled THE SONG OF JACOB ZULU. A few years later, Simonson wrote and directed a second collaboration titled NOMATHEMBA. Then after a long break, the ensembles decided to work together again. Simonson was inspired to write something about the pain of loss and the joy of life.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo with Chicago musician Frank Russell after a LINDIWE rehearsal. Photo credit: Frank Ishman.
While the previous Steppenwolf-Ladysmith Black Mambazo collaborations were set in South Africa, Chicago has a strong presence in LINDIWE. The production takes a cross-cultural approach to the production’s story and music. The music in LINDIWE combines traditional South African sounds from Zulu culture with traditional Chicago blues.
Erik Hellman (Adam) and Nondumiso Tembe (Lindiwe) in rehearsal for Steppenwolf’s LINDIWE. Photo credit: Lowell Thomas
Chicago-based bassist Frank Russell is the leader of the band performing alongside Ladysmith Black Mambazo in LINDIWE. This isn’t the first time Russell has played with the acclaimed vocal group, he was part of the band for the mid-90’s productions of NOMATHEMBA. Russell says playing with the 5-time Grammy winning ensemble is a true honor.
Bassist Frank Russell
“You mentioned a connection, it’s very, very exciting. We always talk about blues and jazz music are the mothers of any music, I believe. So for me, it’s a great opportunity if I’m a part of it.” - Ladysmith Black Mambazo member Albert Mazibuko talking about the musical connections explored in LINDIWE.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo member Alber Makibuko and WDCB’s Gary ZIdek
