The Nutcracker at Montecasino: Meet Clara!
Different young artists will perform the role of Clara in upcoming run
Cape Ballet Africa’s brand-new production of The Nutcracker this December at Teatro, Montecasino will feature six young artists sharing the role of Clara; the young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll for Christmas and goes on adventures in magical lands.
The rising young performers dancing Clara include three dancers from Johannesburg and three from Cape Town.
From Johannesburg, Scarlett Haslam is from Parktown North, attends Kingsmead college and has danced in Sleeping Beauty. Also from Parktown North, where she trains with the Orlovska Dance Academy, Maseroka Mothiba received a scholarship to attend the 2025 Summer Intensive Program with the American Academy of Ballet in New York. Chiara Szabo, from Edenglen, trains with the Carstens-Ireland Ballet School and won a gold medal at the 2024 South African International Ballet Competition.
At 16, Gia Lipschitz from De Waterkant in Cape Town, has already been dancing for 12 years and is an apprentice at Cape Ballet Africa. Fellow CBA apprentice Erin Padoau moved to Rosebank in Cape Town from Durban and is a graduate of the Mosa Ballet School in Liège, Belgium. Constantia’s Victoria Toweel, who has studied with the Jacqui Pells School of Ballet, won a gold first place for her contemporary solo at the 2023 MOVE Dance Competition.
Auditions for the role of Clara were held earlier this year in Cape Town and Johannesburg, generating widespread interest. The six chosen performers will each have their turn to present their interpretation of this wonderful role.
Lipschitz. Maseroka says:
“I’m extremely excited to be working with choreographer Maina Gielgud – she’s a gem in the ballet world! Playing Clara is such a wonderful opportunity, as she gets to go on such magical journeys, while also dancing amazing choreography to such beautiful music.”
The magical holiday classic features South Africa’s top classical ballet talent alongside acclaimed international guest artists. Denis Cherevychko, from Kyiv, Ukraine, danced for over a decade with the Vienna State Ballet, has undertaken guest performances for some of the world’s major dance companies including Paris Opera Ballet, Teatro San Carlo (Italy) and Hungarian National Ballet and has performed the leading male roles in all of ballet’s classics including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle and The Nutcracker. Brazillian Arthur Wille is the rising star of the UK’s London City Ballet and has danced major roles in Giselle, Raymonda, Don Quixote and Le Corsaire. CBA’s The Nutcracker marks both dancers’ African debut.
With stage direction and choreography by the internationally renowned Maina Gielgud, and opulent set designs by Michael Mitchell, this production captures the magic and wonder of the festive season. Maina Gielgud, with a storied career spanning major ballet companies including Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, Scottish Ballet, and Australian Ballet, brings a wealth of experience to the production. Set designer Michael Mitchell’s acclaimed work has graced venues such as the London Coliseum, Teatro Real Madrid, and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.
The Nutcracker, has become a beloved holiday tradition across the globe. Tchaikovsky’s classic transcends the seasons and continents. Audiences will witness a transformation from a Christmas Eve ball to a world of dancing snowflakes, the Kingdom of Sweets, and be enchanted by this classic tale of the courageous Nutcracker Prince as he battles to save his Princess. Dazzling choreography and stunning costumes complement the magnificent music, creating a truly unforgettable, fantastical experience. From the iconic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the vibrant “Waltz of the Flowers,” every moment is a visual feast for the senses.
Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker promises a magical production with breathtaking precision from the 50-strong company and its guests. The season opens on 4 December 2025 and will now run to 20 December 2025.. Don’t be disappointed – book now! Recommended for all ages over five years.
Show Information:
The Nutcracker
Venue:
Teatro, Montecasino
From 4 – 21 December 2025
Dates & Times:
Wednesday to Friday at 19h30
Saturdays at 15h00 and 19h30
Sundays at 13h00 and 17h30
New Shows Added:
Tuesday, 16 December at 13h00 and 17h30;
Thursday, 18 December at 15h00;
Friday, 19 December at 15h00; and
Saturday, 20 December at 15h00 and 19h30.
Ticket Prices:
Standard Prices: from R220 to R690
Bookings:
Through Webtickets and at selected Pick n Pay stores
Connect with Cape Ballet Africa on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Hashtag: #TheNutcracker25
Connect with Montecasino on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
