London's Young Vic is readying its upcoming world premiere of Mandela, a new musical inspired by the life of anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. With music and lyrics by Greg Dean Borowsky and Shaun Borowsky and a book by Laiona Michelle, Mandela begins performances November 29 ahead of a December 8 opening night. The run will continue through February 4, 2023, with streaming performances available January 19-23.

Go inside the rehearsal room with director Schele Williams and stars Michael Luwoye (Hamilton), Danielle Fiamanya (Frozen), and more above.

The musical finds Mandela as a young activist in 1960, rallying the people of South Africa to fight back against the racial segregation of apartheid before being put in jail for nearly three decades. The Lion King alum Bongi Duma has supplied additional music and lyrics.

Luwoye and Fiamanya star as Nelson and Winnie Mandela, respectively, alongside Gregory Armand as Vusi, Zion Battles as Bongani, Earl Carpenter as the Prime Minister, Stewart Clarke as the Warden, Hanna Dimtsu as Nomsa, Lerato Gwebu as Adelaide Tambo/Evelyn Mase, Prudence Jezile as Praise Singer, Akmed Junior Khemalai as Walter Sisulu, Blue Makwana as Gugu, Kayleigh McKnight as Susan/Erika, Posi Morakinyo as Thembi Mandela, Sneziey Msomi as Albertina Sisulu/Maki Mandela, Nomfusi Ngonyama as Zeni Mandela, Ryan O’Donnell as Joe Slovo, Adam Pearce as Kobus, Bolthale Phora as Kgatho Mandela, Shiv Rabheru as Ahmed Kathrada, Will Richardson as Piet, Leanne Robinson as Zindzi Mandela, and Ntsikelelo Nicholas Vani as Oliver Tambo.

Williams' creative team includes choreographer Gregory Maqoma, scenic designer Hannah Beachler, costume designer Fay Fullerton, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Paul Gatehouse, projection and video designer Akhila Krishnan, orchestrator Sam Young, music supervisor Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, and music director Sean Mayes. Casting is by Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher.

Visit YoungVic.org.