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Episode 1

Nelson Mandela tells the story of his early life, the death of his father , and his move to Johannesburg to escape a forced marriage.

Published in 1995, Long Walk to Freedom is Nelson Mandela's own story of his journey from his birth in 1918 in a tiny village in the Transkei, and an idyllic childhood, through his life as a young lawyer in the bustling city of Johannesburg under apartheid, increasing politicisation by his experiences in the city, membership of the African National Congress, arrest and 27 years' imprisonment, to release and eventual election as President in South Africa's first national, non-racial, one-person-one-vote election.

This extraordinary story is read by the South African actor John Kani who first came to prominence in Europe in the plays 'Sizwe Bansi is Dead' for which he won a Tony in New York, and The Island which he co-wrote. He received an Olivier award for 'My Children My Africa.'

The music at the beginning of the programme is the South African National Anthem, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika.

Abridged by Michelene Wandor

Produced by Chris Wallis
A Watershed production for ±«Óãtv Radio 4.

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 10 Dec 2013 00:30

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Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Chris Wallis
Author Nelson Mandela
Reader Michelene Wandor
Reader John Kani

Broadcasts

  • Mon 9 Dec 2013 09:45
  • Tue 10 Dec 2013 00:30

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