Cape Ballet Africa’s Spectacular Production of Swan Lake Comes To Artscape
Experience the magic of the world’s most loved ballet following its triumphant Johannesburg season.
Following its acclaimed run in Johannesburg, which was experienced by 30 000 people, Cape Ballet Africa and Global Star Events present Swan Lake, the world’s most loved ballet in Cape Town.
The strictly limited season will be presented at the Artscape Opera House for two weeks only from 3 to 13 February 2027. Select performances will be accompanied by live orchestra. Bookings can be made at Webtickets.
A masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations, Swan Lake remains the pinnacle of classical ballet – a timeless tale of love, enchantment, and sacrifice. Set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, this breathtaking production weaves a story of passion, betrayal, and eternal devotion.
Staged by London-based Georgian Elena Glurjidze, whose illustrious career includes performing with English National Ballet as Lead Principal Ballerina, this sumptuous new production features magnificent sets by celebrated designer Michael Mitchell and dazzling costumes by award-winning Marcel Meyer, the team who designed CBA’s double Naledi Award-nominated production of The Nutcracker. Be transported by the talented CBA artists who have become renowned for their emotive storytelling, artistic excellence and technical virtuosity.
The rapturous responses to CBA’s production of Swan Lake include:
Luxurious season of sheer wonderment – Diane de Beer, De Beer Necessities
Eternal exhilaration…a joy to watch – Bruce Dennill, pArticipate
Elegant, powerful, visually magnificent and deeply emotional – Dale Kopping, DK Expressions
The swans were beautiful, and the ensemble work had the audience audibly gasping as the stunning formations unfolded… a ballet treat that will make your heart very happy – Sam Nupen, Sam Says
Top tier performance! – Melanie Ramjee
A beautiful production – Gail Jaffit Leibman
Resplendent…Suitable for the balletomaniac as well as ballet virgins…Sensational! Chet Diepraam
In this perennial favourite ballet, Prince Siegfried’s heart is captured by Odette, a princess cursed to live as a swan by day. Their fates entwine in a powerful struggle against evil, where love must prove stronger than the sorcery that seeks to tear them apart. Swan Lake is a timeless love story with dazzling choreography, a sweeping score and dramatic storytelling that will stir your soul and leave you breathless.
Audiences will be delighted by the performances of CBA artists in the principal roles. Gabriel Ravenscroft, Joshua Williams and Gabriel Fernandes Da Silva perform as Prince Siegfried, with Leanè Theunissen, Paige McElligott, Maryana Pobuta and Savannah Ireland as Odette/Odile.
Elena Glurjidze is an award-winning, internationally celebrated dancer and former Lead Principal Ballerina with the English National Ballet (ENB). She has a long personal history with Swan Lake, first dancing as Odette/Odile for the ENB in 2002 and giving her final performance with the company in Derek Deane’s Swan Lake at the London Coliseum on 18 January 2015 in the same role. Her repertoire also included principal roles in Giselle, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Coppélia, Manon, The Snow Queen, Chopiniana, Etudes and Schéhérazade. Glurjidze owns and directs the Masters of Ballet Academy in London, sending students onwards to the Royal Ballet Upper School (London), Vaganova Academy (St Petersburg) – her own alma mater, Bolshoi Academy (Moscow), Dutch National Ballet School (Amsterdam), Berlin State Ballet School (Berlin) and others. Glurjidze is described as an empathetic motivator, which will stand her in good stead with the 50-strong CBA company.
Debbie Turner, Founder and Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa, says,
“We are proud to present this iconic classic on the Artscape Opera House stage. Whether you are a seasoned ballet aficionado or a first-time audience member, Swan Lake will transport you to a place of magic, love and wonder.”
Simon Bryce, CEO of Global Star Events, comments,
“In a little over two years, Cape Ballet Africa has cemented a reputation for artistic excellence, dramatic storytelling and a commitment to creating new South African ballet productions. We are delighted to be co-presenting our second ballet with the Company on the prestigious Artscape stage.”
Show Information:
Swan Lake
Venue:
Artscape Opera House
3 to 13 February 2027
Dates & Times:
Wednesdays – Friday: 19h30
Friday at 19h30 | Friday (21 Aug) at 15h00
Saturdays at 14h30 & 19h30
Sundays at 13h00 & 18h30
Check times when booking
Ticket Prices:
Standard Prices: from R290 – R790
Bookings:
Through Webtickets and at selected Pick n Pay stores
Duration:
2 hours 30 minute (including interval)
Age Restriction:
Not recommended for under 8’s – no babes in arms
About Cape Ballet Africa
Established by Debbie Turner, Cape Ballet Africa seeks to reimagine how ballet can look in Africa, instilling the discipline of classical ballet while blending in the exciting heritage of South African culture. The Company identity strongly aligns with the global dance landscape while building a proudly African organisation.
Connect with Cape Ballet Africa on social media:
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Hashtag: #SwanLake26
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