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Inside the whimsical world of The Barber of Seville
We sit down with the acclaimed director Sylvaine StrikeLast updated: Monday, 21 July 2025
The Barber of Seville is an opera, so you get all the drama, but it’s also witty, lighthearted, and romantic. Plus, it’s more affordable than you think (front row seats start from R190).
We sit down with the award-winning director, Sylvaine Strike, who’s directed critically acclaimed and award-winning productions like The Promise (2023) and Spring Awakening. Here’s what she has to say about her opera directorial debut.
Orange is a recurring colour in the production because Seville is best known for its orange groves. Image: Cape Town Opera
1. If I could describe The Barber of Seville in 3 movie titles, it would be…
A glorious mix between The Grand Budapest Hotel, Shakespeare in Love, and The Mask of Zorro!
2. The way I am approaching this
