After travelling abroad for 18 months, Botes returned to South Africa in early 1998 and approached the brother band Georgia - Andries, Philip and Conrad Botha, who performed together since childhood - to collaborate on an ambitious project.
David's Confession evolved from his continuing fascination with winged creatures and man's desire to fly. "Strictly speaking, I don't consider it autobiographical in any way, but I do relate to the universal theme of the struggle between good and evil, and the power of music to influence moral choices. It can be employed for good or evil."
The fictional character of the protagonist David is multifaceted: "He is a modern man, a successful artist, a dreamer, but the name also refers to the Psalmist, King David of the Old Testament, and ex-Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour."
The setting for David's Confession is a beautiful, ethereal place, a dreamy fantasy world, at once an ancient and futuristic amphitheatre where the wealthy composer and world traveller David creates his cosmic music.
Strains of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Bob Dylan's song Sometimes Satan Comes as a Man of Peace are woven into the fabric of the musical intrigue.
There will be an ensemble of 13 performers, Mel on guitar and a band of six musicians, plus three male and three female singers. Dance choreography, costumes and imaginative lighting design will complement the robust rock performance. The cast will include Ghapi, Jon Delinger, Jaconell Mouton and Denny Lalouette.
Botes' ultimate aim is to go even bigger; to stage the show with a narrator, actors, sets and projections, a complete symphony orchestra, conductor and choir.
Tickets cost from R150 to R300 at Computicket
