WeeklySA_AdminICONIC: On display will be the late statesman’s more than 150 historical artifacts and personal effects from his family, worldwide museums and archives…
By Len Maseko
Americans are set to get the taste of Madiba magic again – thanks to this week’s announcement that the late South African statesman Nelson Mandela’s new global touring exhibition will go to Michigan for a three-month unprecedent showcase of his extraordinary life and times.
Produced by US-based Round Room Live in partnership with The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) and RHoM Investments, “Mandela: The Official” exhibition will take visitors on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader. It will open at The Henry Ford on October 21 ending three months later on January 15 next year.
Following the announcement, The Henry Ford said in a statement that it was thrilled to welcome the exhibition to Michigan. For his part, Mandela made his first trip to the United States in June 1990 – four months after leaving prison, having served 27 years in incarceration.
The announcement coincided with Mandela Day, an annual global celebration that takes place on July 18 (his birthday) to honour him, including the unveiling of a statue of him in Qunu by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This day has become a call to action to individuals, communities and organisations to take time to reflect on his values and principles, and to make a positive impact in their own communities. Elsewhere, dozens of South Africans observed the day by volunteering 67 minutes of their time to engage in community work.
The exhibition is an immersive and interactive experience, featuring previously unseen footage, photos and the display of more than 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide. It is designed to educate, entertain and inspire using many personal belongings and objects never previously seen outside of South Africa.
These items include the suit worn for the opening of the South African parliament in 1996; a traditional head dress gifted to him by the King of Xhosa people, King Xolilzwe Sigcawu, as he awarded Mandela the ancient tribal warrior honour of the Isithwalandwe Sesizwe, for the first time in two centuries; his presidential desk and chair and his much-loved iconic beige trench coat. This showcase combines with immersive media presentations and scenic re-creations to enable visitors to actively engage with and experience key moments in Nelson Mandela’s life.
Through a series of immersive zones – each one a dramatically different experience – the narrative of the exhibit in an incredible journey through a remarkable life, according to the organisers.
Visitors will learn about Mandela’s beginnings in the rural Transkei, steeped in Xhosa tradition and experience the turbulent struggle against apartheid – and why it had to be defeated. Patrons can celebrate his liberation and his historic term as South Africa’s first black president, ‘Father of South Africa’, and a globally loved and respected figure.
“The exhibition also reflects on his passing after a lifetime of service to others, his legacy and the impact of his values and commitment,” the organisers said in a statement. “This unprecedented exhibition provides fresh insight into the people, places and events that formed his character and the challenges he faced. Discover Nelson Mandela as you have never known him”.
A lawyer, revolutionary, political prisoner, world leader, elder statesman, symbol of the struggle against oppression, Mandela has been all these things to so many people across the world in the past 50 years and five years after his passing, he continues to remain a human rights icon and to be seen globally as an advocate for change.
Of the exhibition, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, says:”The Royal House of Mandela is delighted to endorse this exhibition honouring the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as it truly captures the spirit of our global icon whose name has become synonymous with international solidarity, justice and peace. It succeeds in quintessentially depicting the man and the legend whose struggle and sacrifice has captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world. This exhibition is truly an inspiration and an inspired effort; I believe that everyone who sees it will agree that the legacy lives on and that the dream will never die.”
Nkosi Zwelivelile, the traditional leader of Mvezo, serves as a co-producer of the exhibition. In 2007, when the chieftaincy and Mandela family title was restored, Nkosi Zwelivelile was installed as chief of Mvezo and head of the Mandela clan under the direction of his developing the Mvezo Komkhulu Museum – the future home of this exhibition.
The organisers of the exhibition have expressed appreciation for the support and involvement of several South African Heritage Partners, including institutions and individuals who were contributing to the exhibition content. Among the heritage partners were The Robben Island Museum, The Liliesleaf Heritage Site, Mqhekezweni – The Great Place, Christo Brand and Zelda la Grange, a former personal assistant of Mandela.
Co-producer, Round Room Live, is the leading producer and promoter of exhibitions and family show entertainment, specialising in transforming both new and iconic intellectual property into engaging and thrilling live events.
Round Room’s Immersive and Entertainment Experiences division is currently touring: Formula 1: The Exhibition; Jurassic World: The Exhibition; Mandela: The Official Exhibition; and Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I’m Free.
