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Cape Town Opera- Aida
Ticket Cost
R190 - R980Start Date
May 23 2025Theatre
Opera House
Cape Town Opera presents Verdi’s Aida with an all-African cast in a bold, Africanfuturist reimagining of this iconic opera. Set against a backdrop of war, forbidden love and cultural conflict, Aida follows the love story of an enslaved Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian commander. Under Minnaar’s direction, this production combines video, animation and Gregory Maqoma’s choreography to bring a vivid, futuristic world to life. With a 56-member chorus and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under Kamal Khan, this production promises to be a cultural highlight of 2025.
Cape Town Opera brings Verdi’s powerful Aida to life with an all-African cast, presenting a futuristic reimagining of this beloved opera.
Set against a backdrop of war, forbidden love and cultural conflict, this timeless opera is brought into an era of African futurism. The story follows Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian princess, and Radamès, an Egyptian military commander, navigating love amidst loyalty, betrayal and the clash between two civilisations. This innovative production redefines grand opera within an African context. Under Minnaar’s direction, Aida’s 153-year-old story is told in a unique, indigenous and thoughtful way. Using extensive video and animation alongside vibrant costumes, this futuristic world is vividly brought to life with the help of renowned South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma. The set unfolds in layers by manipulating light, shadow and form, creating a dynamic space that evolves with the story. The design is minimalistic and monumental, combining geometric forms with futuristic lighting to evoke grandeur and mystery. The ultimate aim is for this unique interpretation to feel unexpected yet deeply resonant, leaving the audience captivated by this new vision of the opera.
This production will feature a chorus of 56 singers and dancers, with U.S.-based conductor Kamal Khan leading the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. It will be, without question, a cultural highlight for South Africa in 2025.
Duration:
Act I & II: 80 min
Intermission: 30 min
Act III & IV: 70min
Age Restriction: no u5s
Kindly note Artscape provides wheelchair seating. You can book directly via this website but should you require assistance please call Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 76 95 who will assist with navigation and booking.
Important Notice: PAID PARKING FOR ARTSCAPE THEATRE
Secure parking is available for Artscape patrons at the Cape Town Civic Centre basement parking area. Access is via the Jan Smuts Street entrance at the times indicated below:
Operating hours
• Mondays to Fridays between 5 pm and 11 pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during showtimes
Parking tariffs
Fee: R40.00 / Pensioners: R30.00
For more info, please contact dial-a-seat: 021 421 76 95
Parking is available at the Cape Town Civic Centre’s basement parking, Mondays to Fridays between 6pm and 11pm. Parking will be available on Saturdays and Sundays as well as public holidays, for matinee and evening performances. Access to the parking area is via Jan Smuts Street.
• No cash will be accepted/handled at the entry point;
• Payments can be made with Debit/Credit card;
• The parking fees are as follows: - Normal fee: R40.00; - Pensioners: R30.00;
• The gate to the parking will be closed 15 minutes after the starting time of a performance and opened after the performance;
• For security reasons, patrons will be required to inform the attendant which production they are attending, you may also provide proof of a reservation to a production or an event, or proof of invitation to a production or event, at the entry point;
• Patrons are to contact the emergency number (021) 400 2828 in the event of an emergency;
• For your safety a security guard will be stationed at the garage entry
Limited facilities for wheelchairs are available in the Opera House and Theatre in accordance with safety regulations. Wheelchair seats can be booked at the Artscape Box Office, at any Computicket outlet, or through the Computicket call centre. Please note that the Arena is not wheelchair friendly. Toilets for wheelchair-bound patrons aresituated in the Marble and Chandelier Foyers of the Opera House and on the lower level of the Theatre Foyer. Limited parking bays are available for bona fide Disabled Parking Disc Holders in the tunnel area opposite the Stage Door entrance, and in the staff parking area. A drop-off facility is available in the tunnel area for patrons who have difficulty walking. Prior arrangements in all regards should be made with the Theatre Manager.
WheelchairsDisabled Parking and Wheelchairs are available on site but should be pre-booked by contacting Artscape Dial-a-seat on 021 421 7695