The celebration extravaganza aired to over four-million SABC viewers and told the story of the ANC’s 100-year history in a way that conveyed the significance of the historical events in an entertaining manner. Appealing to both young and old, the production included audio visual footage from throughout the ANC’s history, which was coupled with a strong sense of celebration to form the cornerstone of the creative concept behind Tshihumbudzo: Our Story, Our Future. It was a two-hour visual spectacle of relevant dance, song, music, poetry, theatre and AV footage reflecting this rich history.

VWV employed largely the same experienced production team that produced the World Cup opening and closing ceremonies to execute this event seamlessly. In totality, VWV provided an overall site contingency of 600 personnel. The logistics team was tasked with sourcing accommodation for 418 people in an already overflowing Bloemfontein, to feeding, transporting, managing and keeping the large cast happy. A substantial cast management team, and on the ground production team of 100, built an ‘artists village’ at the stadium to keep all crew members fed and watered.

Blue Moon’s executive creative director, DJ Grant, had proposed the concept of a 'peoples’ history of the ANC', told through a documentary–style storyline that blended theatre, choreography, musical performance and documentary material. The overarching story was that of the historical trajectory of the ANC, but the 'story within a story' was that of a woman who had lived through the times and was herself a participant in the struggle. It was also the story of her grandson’s journey to a realisation that the story of the struggle is his story too. Each era was celebrated in song and dance relevant to the cultural milieu of the time and of the period of struggle.

The talented cast included 14 lead artists, 12 ensemble cast members, nine band members, five backing vocalists and a troupe of 20 dancers. The star-studded production was directed by the acclaimed James Ngcobo with Victor Masondo as the musical director. Gregory Maqoma choreographed the mammoth cast that included the Vuyani Dance Theatre, the Soweto Gospel Choir, Judith Sephuma, Dorothy Masuka, Zahara, Simphiwe Dana, Vusi Mahlasela, Ray Phiri, Karen Zoid, AKA and many more South African greats.

The concept was accommodated through the construction of a 600m2, six-tiered stage, designed by James MacNamara Designs, and took the expertise of a 150-crew technical team headed by VWV. The team worked tirelessly to rig the massive set and run the technical requirements for 12 screens and 200 moving lights, on and around the set and stadium; as well as the installation and programming of an enormous stadium audio system.

VWV’s project director, Jameson Hlongwane, said, “VWV is proud to have been appointed by the ANC as the lead agency to work on such a momentous task. It was a challenging project and the overwhelmingly positive response by the public has shown us that we got it right.”

Michelle Caldeira, managing director of Blue Moon said, “The ANC centenary theme of 'Unity in Diversity' was exemplified in the inspiring humility and generous spirit of collaboration amongst all involved.”

Baleka Mbete, national chairperson of the African National Congress was effusive in her praise for the agencies, “Tshihumbudzo: Our Story, Our Future depicts the long struggle of our people for freedom, led by the ANC through drama, dance, music and archival material. Since the initial broadcast on SABC1 on 8 January, we have been inundated with requests for Tshihumbudzo by educational institutions and parents who want to share the story with their children. We are pleased by the overwhelmingly positive response, and hope that all in our country take the opportunity to watch the re-broadcast on Tuesday, 17 January, 2012 on SABC1 at 21:00.”

For more information on creating experiences that change perceptions and inspire action, call Minette Smalle on 011 799-2600 or visit www.vwv.com. Like us on Facebook: VWV and follow us on Twitter: @VWVGroup.

For more information on Blue Moon, contact Michelle Caldeira: michelle@bluemoon.co.za, or call 011 721 4700. Like us on Facebook: Blue Moon Corporate Communications and follow us on Twitter: @BlueMoon_SA.