The captivating science-meets-music show about black holes

Sold out 50 times in Gauteng with rave reviews. See why

Last updated: Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Black holes, the mysterious phenomena that swallow stars, warp time, and rewrite the laws of physics, are being turned into a 90-minute immersive cinematic theatre experience. Complete with Hans Zimmer-style composition, storytelling, and visuals made from real scientific data.

Hidden Giants, produced by Universe on Stage, is debuting at the Homecoming Centre from 11 to 14 December 2025. See what everyone from the CEOs at Discovery, to students and even Gareth Cliff, had to say in reviews.

Using the world’s first image of a black hole as its starting point, the show reveals just how extraordinary these cosmic giants are. Image: Hidden Giants

WHAT EXACTLY IS HIDDEN GIANTS?

Explaining Hidden Giants has always been the creators’ biggest challenge. Not because the show is complicated, but because it simply doesn’t have a direct comparison. It’s not a lecture, it’s not a concert, it’s not a film - it’s an immersive, cinematic experience where science becomes art, and the cosmos unfolds like theatre.

The production is the collaboration of an unexpected duo: Dr Luca Pontiggia, a PhD physicist with a passion for communicating the wonders of the universe, and Yasheen Modi, an actuary and self-taught composer who writes and performs the sweeping cinematic score.

They’ve built a show that has already had more than 50 sold-out performances in Gauteng, and leaves audiences of all backgrounds and ages (including children from 8 years old and up) moved and inspired.

Many audience members describe being unexpectedly emotional, some moved to tears, and others left in stunned silence because the experience connects with people on a deeply human level.

Dr Luca Pontiggia and Yasheen Modi. Image: Hidden Giants

HOW DO THEY STAGE A BLACK HOLE?

You walk into a darkened theatre. A dwarf star crackles across a screen the size of a stage, and you hear the low hum of orbiting matter building into a crescendo of piano playing. Then, through visuals built from real scientific data, the birth of a black hole comes to life in front of you.

Hidden Giants is structured like a cinematic opera with an opening, three acts, and a finale. Each act explores a different facet of black holes: What they are, the minds that first envisioned them, and the monumental moment when their image was first captured.

The performance runs continuously for 90 minutes, and it’s not just the science and imagery that make it stand out. The show layers custom-built sound designs tied to specific cosmic events, which means each event has its own “signature” sound that deepens the storytelling.

When the sun appears, the theatre hums with a deep bass; in a scene set during World War I, you can hear gunfire and explosions punctuating images of physicists scribbling solutions to Einstein's equations; and the sound of two stars erupts in a powerful explosion that reverberates through the theatre. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen on a theatre stage.

Between visuals, sound design, music composition and script, a single production takes over 500 hours to build. Image: Hidden Giants

READ THE RAVE REVIEWS

With so much detail and craft poured into every moment, it’s easy to see why audiences (from grandchildren to grandparents) have responded so powerfully.

I had tears running down my face!
“I am at a loss for words. Last night was incredible. I had tears running down my face at the beauty of it all. Thank you for producing something so beautiful.” - Charissa Worthman, Scientist

My children were mesmerised and gripped the entire time
“It was the first time I’ve ever seen them not look at their phones for the full hour and a half.” – Dinesh Govender, CEO Vitality

You will leave intellectually stimulated and emotionally moved
“Luca's eloquence and stage presence effortlessly draw the audience into the mysteries of the universe. His ability to intertwine science and art in such a seamless manner is a testament to his creativity.” – Karren Sanderson, COO Discovery Health

Impacts the entire audience
“Both Luca and Yash have this incredible effect where they impact the audience from as young as the eighth grade to the oldest history teacher.” – Sammy Kramer, student at King David

My son hasn’t stopped talking about it
“We were blown away, especially my 11-year-old son. The production leaves an indelible mark on young scientists, mathematicians, and engineers alike- something our country needs now more than ever.” – Vaughn Jones, CEO Garrun Group

My students loved it!
“They masterfully combine truth and beauty that fills the heart with wonder at the magnificence of the galaxy we live in. The interaction between Luca’s speaking and Yash’s piano reflect the very dance between the truths of the universe and the sheer beauty of it all.” – Tyra Mouron, Science Teacher

Thought-provoking, moving and inspiring
“The universe on stage simultaneously immerses the audience in the wonders of our universe and entertains with stunning visuals and score.” – Hylton Kallner CEO Discovery Bank

Amazing story and spell-binding music
“I was absolutely blown away by the care and attention to detail given to what is, first of all, an amazing story told by Luca, but also by the music by Yash, which I find spell-binding.” – Gareth Cliff, Cliff Central

From children and students to thinkers and dreamers, the show is designed for everyone in mind. Image: Hidden Giants

TICKET PRICES & DISCOUNTS

All tickets can be booked via Webtickets.

Hidden Giants has a range of seating options, with ticket prices starting at R130 for ground floor seats to R540 for the premium upper-tier level.

Kids under 12 get 50% off, students receive 25% off, and groups of four or more enjoy 10% off across all tiers.

It’s priced to welcome anyone with a curious mind. Hidden Giants isn’t just a lesson in science, it’s a reminder of how astonishing the universe really is.

The show is about stirring curiosity, emotion, and wonder. Image: Hidden Giants

BOOK FOR HIDDEN GIANTS

Hidden Giants is happening: 11 to 14 December 2025, 2pm and 7pm
Find it: The Star Theatre District Six Homecoming Centre, Cape Town
Cost: From R130 to R540
Book: Via Webtickets
Contact on: 083 725 1234, info@universeonstage.com

By Khadeeja Adams

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