This September, Joburg Ballet invites audiences to experience the mesmerising ballet, Carmen.
“As Joburg Ballet honours 25 years of artistic achievement, Carmen stands as a celebration of continuity, excellence and renewal. It celebrates dramatic storytelling, virtuosic dance and the enduring creative partnerships that have helped define Joburg Ballet’s remarkable journey,” says Artistic Director, Dane Hurst.
“Driven by Georges Bizet’s unforgettable score, choreographed by Veronica Paeper, one of South
Africa’s most distinguished choreographers and brought to life by the exceptional dancers of Joburg Ballet, it promises to be one of the defining highlights of Joburg Ballet’s landmark anniversary season.”
Carmen is a production that honours one of South Africa’s greatest choreographic voices – the acclaimed Veronica Paeper whose contribution to Joburg Ballet’s artistic legacy has been profound. She returns with her electrifying interpretation of Carmen at the Joburg Theatre’s Mandela stage for ten performances from Friday 25 September to Sunday 4 October.
Following its Joburg Theatre run, Carmen will present two performances at the South African State Theatre, Pretoria on Saturday 24 October at 15h00 and Sunday 25 October at 15h00.
Each production for Joburg Ballet’s anniversary season has been intentionally chosen to reveal a different facet of the company’s artistic identity. Carmen provides the perfect artistic counterpoint to the ethereal romanticism of Giselle, the elegant sophistication and expansive beauty of Celestial Bodies and the visceral theatrical power of The Bacchae.
Carmen celebrates the remarkable artists who shaped the company. Leading the cast are principal dancers Revil Yon, the only South African male principal in the country and Brazil’s Monike Cristina, who both bring exceptional depth, maturity and dramatic intensity to the iconic leading roles of Don José and Carmen. Both mark ten years with Joburg Ballet and their extraordinary artistic partnership has become synonymous with the company’s success.
Debuting in the lead roles are Ryoko Yagyu and Ivan Domiciano and they, together with the new partnership of Darragh Hourrides and Bruno Miranda, add fresh energy and theatrical vitality to the production.
Carmen also introduces the dancers who will carry its legacy forward – the emergence of the next generation of leading artists whose performances embody the promise, ambition and artistic excellence that will shape the company’s future – Latoya Mokoena, Chloe Blair, Gabriella Ghiaroni, Mario Gaglione, Miles Carrott and Miguel Franco-Green. It is also an important celebration of artistic lineage – supporting Paeper in bringing Carmen to life are Ballet Mistress Kim Vieira and Associate Ballet Mistress Nicole Ferreira-Dill. Both have performed under Ms Paeper’s direction in many of her celebrated productions throughout their own distinguished careers. Their support represents a seamless passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Joburg Ballet will host an Open Day for Carmen on Saturday 12 September from 10h00 to 13h00 at the Joburg Ballet Studios, 26 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein. Open Day offers the public the opportunity to watch the dancers at class and rehearsals. Tickets R165 per person – unreserved seating – book via Quicket.
Carmen Booking information
Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg
Friday 25 September at 19h00 | Saturday 26 September at 14h00 | Saturday 26 September at 18h30 | Sunday 27 September at14h00 [R260 – R800]
Wednesday 30 September at 11h00 & Thursday 1 October at 11h00 [all seats R250]
Friday 2 October at 19h00 | Saturday 3 October – 14h00 | Saturday 3 October @18h30 | Sunday 4 October at 14h00 [R260 – R800]
Discounts [not applicable to two concession performances -30 Sept & 1 Oct]: Children u/7 – 50%; Friends of the Ballet – 35%; Pensioners -15%; Group bookings: 10 -19: 5%; 20 or more -10%
South African State Theatre, Pretoria
Saturday 24 October at 15h00 | Sunday 25 October at 15h00 (R300 – R480)
Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets
For more information about Joburg Ballet’s 25th Anniversary Season, visit www.joburgballet.com