Cape Ballet Africa, along with Global Star Events, has added extra performances to its Johannesburg run of Swan Lake at the Teatro, Montecasino, due to extraordinary demand for tickets for the production’s initial dates. Now, in addition to the limited run beginning on Friday, 7 August, fans of the world’s most loved ballet also have the opportunity to watch Elena Glurjidze’s choreography of Tchaikovsky’s crown jewel on Saturday, 22 August at 13:00 and 17:30 and Sunday, 23 August at 13:00. Tickets are on sale at webtickets.co.za.
There’s further reason for audiences to smile as, to celebrate Youth Day, Cape Ballet Africa is offering a special discount on tickets. Beginning on Thursday 11 June patrons can save up to 40% on select seats and performances. Tickets are available at webtickets.co.za and in @PicknPay stores nationwide for a limited time only. Book now to avoid disappointment!
This Special offer celebrates Youth Day by encouraging young audiences to discover the magic of ballet and live theatre. Ballet is an art form in which dancers start learning their craft and developing their talents early in life, and many South African and international dancers are aspirational figures and role models for young artists embarking on their own journeys. Beyond the thrill of live performance, experiencing ballet opens young minds to cultures from around the globe and across history, to music that has endured for centuries, and to a deeper appreciation of the artistry and dedication behind a world-class production.
Swan Lake remains the pinnacle of classical ballet – a timeless tale of love, magic and sacrifice. In the lead roles, 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. It’s a masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations, set to a magnificent and soaring Tchaikovsky’s score, and weaving together elements of passion, betrayal and eternal devotion.
This Cape Ballet Africa production brings dramatic intensity and elegance from a company celebrated for artistic excellence and expressive storytelling. The cherished classic is accorded the opulent sets and sumptuous costumes, its iconic, enduring choreography deserves, creating a ballet experience to stir your soul and leave you breathless.
Georgian-born, London-based Elena Glurjidze arrived in South Africa this week to work with the 50-strong member company on this new production of Swan Lake, for which she is providing choreography and stage direction. Glurjidze, a former lead principal ballerina with the English National Ballet, appeared in her final performance as Odette/Odile in Derek Deane’s Swan Lake at the London Coliseum on 18 January 2015, in the role she first danced with that company in 2002.
Receiving notices such as “Hauntingly and compellingly beautiful in performance” (The Observer), Glurjidze founded the Masters of Ballet Academy in London. Many of her students have graduated to full-time training at the Royal Ballet Upper School (London), Vaganova Academy (St. Petersburg), Bolshoi Academy (Moscow), Dutch National Ballet School (Amsterdam), Mannheim Academy of Dance, (Mannheim), John Cranko School (Stuttgart), Berlin State Ballet School (Berlin), Royal Ballet School and White Lodge (Richmond).
Proud of her Georgian heritage, she has long promoted the country’s culture, receiving a State Ministry of Georgian Affairs Certificate of Honour for her work. Glurjidze entered the prestigious Vaganova Academy in St Petersburg at age 12 as a pupil of the great Russian ballerina Lubov Kunakova, joining the English National Ballet as a Principal ballerina in 2002. Her repertoire included principal roles in Giselle, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Coppélia, Manon, The Snow Queen, Chopiniana, Etudes and Schéhérazade.
The costumes for Cape Ballet Africa’s Swan Lake are designed by Marcel Meyer with gorgeous sets by Michael Mitchell. This is the same team that created the grand designs for the double Naledi Award-nominated production of The Nutcracker by the same company.
Debbie Turner, CEO and Artistic Director of Cape Ballet Africa, says, “It’s a wonderful privilege to be able to stage extra performances of Swan Lake at Montecasino. Johannesburg audiences love their ballet and we are so happy to be able to perform for them!”
Simon Bryce, CEO of Global Star Events, adds, “Seeing such demand for tickets that additional shows need to be planned makes it so wonderful to be involved in this production. Thank you, Joburg – we know you’ll love the show!”
Cape Ballet Africa and Global Star Events’ Swan Lake brings Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece back to the stage in Johannesburg for a season of intoxicating intrigue and mesmerising elegance. With added performances on 22 and 23 August and savings of up to 40% on selected shows, there’s never been a better time to experience this timeless masterpiece. Book now to avoid disappointment! The show is recommended for all ages over five years. Ticket prices range from R220 to R720. Special discounts on group bookings of 20+ for select performances and price categories are available from webtickets.co.za.
