IF WE go by what Google tells us the definition of a legend is, Nelson Mandela is, perhaps, one of a diminutive group of people that actually overpowers the definition.

"An extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field." David Beckham. Michael Phelps. David Jason. According to some Brendan O'Carroll.

Fascinating people in their field, however 'legend' - it doesn't feel right when compared to the likes of Mandela. But 'Mandela Trilogy', a beguiling insight into our generation's most intrinsic characters, is a bold experience. 

The story of Mandela is one that many believe they truly understand. A man jailed against his will for supporting the equality of the black man against the white man's torture. However for the sofa-historian there is so much more to Nelson's story.

And 'Mandela Trilogy' is the stimulating look at the revolutionary the man deserves..

Throughout Wales Millennium Centre and Cape Town Opera's delineation of Mandela's story, there is zest; an eagerness to appropriately explain why this man was so great.

The three different Mandela roles are starkly different; the blossoming Thato Machona who depicts Mandela's early years in the Mvezo village days, where a man had to earn his right to life, Peace Nzirawa showing Mandela's eventual refusal to be handcuffed to a system of oppression and Aubrey Lodewyk's prison-restricted Mandela.

The three acts told this man's story.

And much like the drama continually unfolding during 'Tata's life, the supporting characters that allowed this musical's hero to prevail against the odds are pivotal.

There are no holds barred with Winnie; an enchanting 21-year-old when Mandela leaves one of his other cascading interests, but by the end of visitation with Mandela, a resistant force against the oppression her now husband stands against but with bitterly disparate ideals.

'Mandela Trilogy' is a cast in awe of their hero. The sounds, routines, monologues - it welcomes itself to any history buff who believes they understand his legacy. Dialogue that shifts between opera and mid-50s lunge music help decorate this story but each member of this cast exude the man's passion.

Tribal snapshots of traditional Afrikaans, that embrace a mother's genuine sorrow after a child has gone; deceiving lawyer who lets his first wife down; a man at one with his responsibility.

This is a show that manages to bring to life the achievements and fervour of man that literally changed the world.