After 5 years of waiting, Siddhartha The Musical is finally coming to South Africa and will perform at Joburg Theatre on the 11th and 12 May 2024. The play was scheduled to play in 2019 but unfortunately Covid-19 struck. Siddartha The Musical has been around for more than a decade performing in 15 countries.
Joburg Theatre hosted a media briefing which opened and closed with a brief appetising performance by the cast. Director Junrey Alayacyac gave an overview of the show’s journey where he explained that the play started as a humble project for the temples of Fo Guang Shan founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in the Philippines and blossomed into a musical enjoyed by the world.
“We are very excited to come here in South Africa. It is a milestone, not only for the musical play but also for the Filipinos we are representing.”
He also highlighted an important message they carry and want to convey with the show which is to promote the values of humanistic Buddhism through music and arts. The story is about Prince Siddhartha who was born 2,600 years ago, in a wealthy and lavish lifestyle, and eventually finding enlightenment and peace.
With this show the aim is to make available the core teachings of Buddhism for the people to benefit from “The 21st century problem is mental health. Hopefully with this musical play it can influence people to accept that there is suffering in this world and how we can lessen and mitigate suffering through following the noble path.” says Alayacyac.
When asked what this show taught them about Buddhism and mental health, actor and vocal coach Barret Richards responded, “As a performer, Buddhism and the play has taught me a lot of things. Main focus is on the three acts of goodness which are ‘Do Good Deeds. Speak Good Words and Think Good Thoughts…it’s a very moving play which taught me to go easy in life, accept the impermanence in the world and try to do something about it in a positive way.”
The cast is excited to be in South Africa to share their meaningful play. With the show being sold out, it sure gives an impression of a hungry and excited audience.