TV REVIEW : ‘Voices of Sarafina’ Documents Musical

If you have 90 free minutes tonight, do yourself a favor. Tune in to “Voices of Sarafina” (KCET Channel 28 and KOCE Channel 50, 9-10:30 p.m.). You’ll see the hope of the future.

The South African future.

This special program, documenting the creation of the musical “Sarafina!” which played Broadway and Lincoln Center in 1987-88, bursts with youth, energy and intelligence.

It’s not about the show itself (a sort of black South African “Godspell” with music by Hugh Masekela), inspired by the 1976 Soweto uprising of 15,000 black teen-agers and seen here only in snippets. It’s about the children who rebelled against another intimidation tactic: the government’s attempt to impose Afrikaans as the official language in the schools.

The backstage/offstage part of the documentary is what stays with us: “Sarafina!” director Mbongeni Ngema’s search for the right kids, dramatic forays into the troubled townships, the gradual formation of his theatrical family, the rehearsals, the excitement of the work and of going to New York.

Documentary director Noble smartly lavishes close-ups on the bright, loving faces of this exceptional group. The fledgling performers, matured beyond their years by civil strife, are steeped in a love of country that knows nothing of jingoism.

These are inspired and inspiring youngsters, brimming with tenderness and hope, whose brush with sadness has imbued them early with uncommon awareness.

Most stirring of all is an unscheduled backstage visit by singer Miriam Makeba, visibly shaken by the experience of seeing these kids perform and hearing their vibrant choral voices. She, in turn, is a powerful symbol of resistance to oppression in the eyes of a cast that knew her by reputation only.

When Makeba leads them in a rendition of “Umam Uyajabula” (“Mother Is Very Happy”), a prison song about freedom and returning home, the moment fairly rings with eloquence.

Nothing works quite like the stuff that never meant to try.