The ‘SUM’ of human experience coming to State Theatre

The South African State Theatre will present a one-night-only staged oratorio, SUM, by South African composer Franco Prinsloo at its Drama Theatre on 8 November.

Billed as a meditation on humanity's search for hope, meaning and transcendence, the production sets out to move beyond a conventional concert format, weaving music, theatre and spirituality into a single artistic journey.

Presented by Franco Prinsloo Productions, SUM combines storytelling, evocative music and striking visual imagery, with staging and dramatic lighting used to deepen the emotional arc of the performance.

At the centre of the work is the Vox Chamber Choir, one of South Africa's established choral ensembles, joined by soloists, organ, two oboes and percussion.

Prinsloo's score draws on traditional choral writing alongside more contemporary musical language, built around rich harmonies and soaring melodic lines intended to build a sense of wonder and reflection across the evening.

The production forms part of the State Theatre's ongoing commitment to showcasing South African composers and performers, and follows Prinsloo's recognition as a significant contributor to the country's contemporary classical music scene.