GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Once again the time has come for Union High School to stage a musical.

The community has become accustomed to attending an evening full of fun and entertainment and this year is no different.

The cast of 90 learners has been hard at work preparing for the show with energetic dance moves and enthusiastic singing.

The story is set in the rich culture and vibrant streets of Sophiatown in the late fifties and tells the story of Zekiah Malope.

The plot mirrors the well-known story of Rocky with Zekiah being a struggling boxer failing to make it big time. His main source of income is collecting debts for the local gang leader, Shakes.

Despite his true talent and his inability to admit defeat, people in general, and particularly his coach, Sam, never give him the time of day. Then Duke Jackson, the reigning Middleweight Champion’s opponent gets injured and Zekiah is chosen to take his place because of his nickname, "the Black Knight”.

With his shot at glory in front of him, Zekiah trains harder than he thought was possible in order to earn his own self-respect and to go the distance.

Along this journey, The Crazy Moon, no. 1 shebeen in Sophiatown is visited, where African jazz and kwela music provide a background for a variety of life stories that are being played out. Among these include Gloria, the shebeen queen and her sister Iris, who is secretly in love with Zekiah, but too shy to show it. Valerie, who is Frank’s long-time girlfriend, a relationship that has seemingly stagnated. Also Nancy, Valerie’s ditsy friend who is engaged to be married to the dour Lucky, bodyguard to Shakes.

Many well-known songs are included such as Mama Thembu’s Wedding, Shosholoza and Dear Future Husband.

Coming soon to Union High School, ticket sales have already opened, and you wouldn’t want to miss this fun-filled evening.

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