On May 21, 2024, Opera at the University of Cape Town is set to present a unique event launching two books.

The books in question include “Opera in Cape Town – The Critic’s Voice” by Dr. Wayne Muller and “‘Sorry. I am what I am.’ – The Life and Letters of the South African Pianist and Opera Coach Gordon Jephtas.”

The former explorers how opera critics have shaped audiences ideas of the “Africanization” of opera during the post-apartheid period, while the latter, edited by Dr. Hilde Roos, Féroll-Jon Davis, and Dr. Chris Walton, is a collection of letters written by the coach to soprano May Abrahamse.

“We had 144 items – which included letters, postcards and telegrams – that could be included in the book. It is all about Gordon’s life; he was often self-critical and had a need to be acknowledged within the apartheid context. But at that time, it was impossible for a colored man to have a career in opera in his own country,” Roos and Davids said per an official press release.

“These views of critics cast an interesting light on the aesthetic changes that happened in opera. Since 1994, opera had been made relevant to local audiences by transporting the settings of opera from Europe to South Africa. So, we’ve seen classical operas like Puccini’s ‘La Bohème’ – and many others – being set in Soweto or District Six or in a different context with adaptations,” added Muller about his book.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. in Baxtor Concert Hall in Rondebosch, Cape Town. It will feature radio presenter Africa Melane as well as a number of young singers performing alongside Jeremy Silver, Director of Opera of University of Cape Town.