Every Day is An Opening Night

More about the book

Both a deeply personal memoir and a glimpse into socio-political activism, this book by Des and Dawn Lindberg chronicles their legendary 55-year journey in South African theatre as musicians, performers, and impresarios. It begins with their early days singing folk songs in Johannesburg's Troubadour coffee-bar and follows their evolution to producing and performing major musicals across southern Africa. Key moments include their groundbreaking multiracial production of Godspell, their famous Sunday-night Soirées, and the establishment of the Naledi Theatre Awards, now in its 18th year. Set against a backdrop of local unrest and international sanctions, their narrative highlights the challenges faced by artists during a tumultuous era in South Africa. They collaborated with renowned musicians, faced government scrutiny, had albums banned, and navigated legal battles while remaining steadfast as anti-apartheid activists. Their circle of friends and collaborators features beloved figures in the arts, including Jeremy Taylor, Johnny Clegg, and Pieter-Dirk Uys, among others. The reminiscences blend humor and poignancy, complemented by a rich collection of photographs. Although the manuscript was completed before Dawn's passing in December 2020, it stands as a tribute to her life and their shared legacy, celebrating their story as a joyful testament to resilience and love.