Cape Town Opera is set to launch one of its most ambitious and visually stunning productions to date with a bold, Africanfuturist reimagining of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. Opening on May 23, 2025, this epic retelling promises to be a cultural landmark for South Africa and a must-see for opera lovers and newcomers alike.
A Timeless Story, Reimagined for the Future
At its core, Aida is a grand tale of forbidden love, loyalty, betrayal, and war — a deeply human story told through some of Verdi’s most stirring music. But in this groundbreaking new production, the story of Aida, the enslaved Ethiopian princess, and Radamès, the conflicted Egyptian commander, is catapulted into a futuristic African landscape, redefined through Afrofuturist design and direction.
Director Minnaar leads the creative vision, breathing new life into this 153-year-old opera with a storytelling approach that is as indigenous as it is innovative.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears
Visually, the production is a spectacular blend of minimalism and monumentality. Think geometric set pieces, high-concept lighting, and immersive video and animation sequences that create a shape-shifting world pulsing with tension and energy.
The choreography, crafted by acclaimed South African artist Gregory Maqoma, fuses traditional movement with contemporary dance, giving emotional weight and physical dimension to the opera’s themes of conflict, identity, and longing.
Behind the scenes, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kamal Khan, will fill the Opera House with the unforgettable score, while a 56-member chorus of singers and dancers brings scale and spirit to this monumental staging.
Why You Can’t Miss It
This production of Aida is more than just a retelling — it’s a reinvention. With an all-African cast, this opera takes its rightful place in the hands of African storytellers, reframing a European classic through African eyes and sensibilities. The result is a powerful, forward-looking vision that challenges expectations and celebrates cultural ownership.
Whether you’re an opera devotee or simply intrigued by the blending of tradition and innovation, Cape Town Opera’s Aida promises a once-in-a-generation experience.