A journey through hardship and resilience In the heart of Germany, a theatrical masterpiece is unfolding— one that tells a deeply human story of hope, hardship, and resilience. Opera of Hope, written and directed by Ghanaian-born Mable Preach, is a production that shines a light on the perilous journey many Africans undertake in search of a better life. Choreographed by the celebrated South African artist Bisi Bangiwe Ka Jobela, this opera delves into the harrowing experiences of migrants crossing the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, risking everything for a dream that is constantly threatened by the harsh realities of life in Europe. For Bisi, as widely known, Opera of Hope is more than just another international production; it is a testament to the power of storytelling through art.
His role in the production involved choreographing the dancers, actors, and choir while working closely with Mable Preach and Isaac Gordon Jr., the head of music and fellow Ghanaian artists based in Germany. The fusion of cultures, music, and movement creates an emotionally charged narrative that speaks to the universal struggle for survival and dignity. Bisi’s journey with Preach began over a decade ago. In 2010, he moved to Hamburg, Germany, where he performed in Disney’s The Lion King (German stage production), marking the start of his international career. During his time in Germany, he collaborated with schools and youth organizations, and in 2012, he met Mable Preach while teaching African dance for Lukulule, a youth project. After his stint in Germany, Bisi moved to Brazil before returning to her hometown, Kimberley, South Africa. There, he reintroduced Amandla Dança Teatro, a dance company he co-founded with Brazilian dancer and choreographer Guilherme Duarte. Today, Amandla Dança Teatro ZA has evolved into a musical theatre academy, co-run and directed by international Kimberlite librettist Mkhululi Mabija.
Preach and Jobela’s artistic partnership was rekindled in 2017 when he was invited to choreograph
and perform in Promis(e)d Land, a production that examined the historical significance of the 1884 Berlin
Conference. This collaboration paved the way for Bisi’s involvement in Opera of Hope, an opportunity that
brought him back to Hamburg in December 2024 to work with a multicultural team of artists from Ghana,
Germany, and Nigeria. For Bisi, Opera of Hope is more than just another project—it’s an affirmation of
her artistic journey and a stepping stone to greater international recognition. “Another magnificent
BISI BANGIWE KA JOBELE-AN OPERA OF HOPE Diamond Magazine 8 international production in the bag,” he says with pride. “Hopefully, this will attract more international gigs, as well as respect and appreciation from our local leaders and industry.” He hopes his achievements will inspire artists from his hometown, proving that with dedication and self-respect, great opportunities can arise when least expected. Bisi’s love for art is deeply rooted in his life’s experiences. He credits his success
to the unwavering support of his family and the one person who believed in his talent, opening doors that led to scholarships and career-defining opportunities.
“Art is my life,” he declares. “For many years, I have been giving back to communities around South Africa,
especially where I come from, at no cost. Sometimes passion kills us—because we provide education for
free, we are often undermined by leaders and fellow ‘artists.’” Despite these challenges, his commitment to the arts remains unshaken. Through Opera of Hope, Bisi continues his mission of using art to tell important stories, advocate for change, and elevate the voices of those often unheard. As he stands on the global stage once again, his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that art transcends borders and can create meaningful dialogue worldwide
This article from issue 9 Diamond Magazine click here to read more
Leave A Comment