Last summer, Drumstruck at Silvermist captivated both local audiences and tourists with its five-star African drum-theatre production, coupled with a wine tasting presented by Silvermist owner and winemaker, Gregory Brink Louw.
Hailed as the ‘most authentic and interactive African experience in Cape Town’, Drumstruck will launch its new season on November 10.
Drumstruck has been entertaining audiences across the globe since its beginnings in Johannesburg in 2002, culminating in tours in the Far East, Europe, Australia, and off Broadway in New York, where celebrity audience members included Nicole Kidman, Kevin Bacon and Rosie O’ Donnell.
Drumstruck producer, Warren Lieberman, explains that he brought the show back to South African soil after COVID to give locals and tourists access to the transformative and unifying magic of drumming together while learning something about traditional African music.
Lieberman says the show in Cape Town is a scaled-down version of the international production, but includes the same elements of storytelling, interactivity, fun and showmanship. “We have created a show that has emerged from many years of experience and feedback from audiences of all ages and cultures. It blends traditional African instruments, song and dance into an infectious musical event, and people walk out of the show feeling elated and connected.”
Directed and co-created by Kathy-Jo Ross and facilitated by some of South Africa’s top percussionists and performers, Mpho Rasenyalo, Tumelo Seleke and Zama Qambi, the show creates a sense of Africa that is genuine and heartfelt.
Audiences enter a space where an extensive and rare collection of indigenous African instruments is displayed and are taken on a journey through the musical heritage of southern Africa – from the first drum through to the newest high-tech electronic instruments.
Each audience member is provided with their own djembe drum and gets to play and sing along with the show, becoming participants in the collective celebration that exemplifies African music and culture.
Drumstruck has found a home and partner in the Silvermist Organic Wine estate, a venue with expansive views perched atop Constantia Nek, a 15-minute drive from Cape Town city centre.
While the adults taste and learn about a range of exclusive South African wines from the area, children (and those who prefer) are offered a refreshing farm-brewed selection of iced teas to taste.
There is plenty of space for kids to run around and play on the lawns, and Silvermist offers a farmyard environment where visitors are likely to see ducks, pigs, sheep, a donkey, rabbits and dogs roaming about freely.
This season, the South African experience has been extended to include an optional braai after the show (to be pre-ordered with ticket purchases), and a world-class marimba band will entertain guests.
The Silvermist Rocketbar has also been reopened as an African-themed wine and coffee bar.
