Greatest ballet of all time comes to Cape Town

Swan Lake, with elite international dancers, full orchestra

Last updated: Tuesday, 25 April 2023

Tchaikovsky's timeless score, performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and a company of 60 with elite dancers from around the world, with stunning sets and opulent costumes, sets the stage for Swan Lake. 

This classic story of good over evil, that transports audiences to another world from the very first note, is on for 15 shows only. Tickets are selling fast: Get yours today. 

Odette with the corps de ballet. Image: Swan Lake South Africa 

WATCH A SNIPPET OF WHAT TO EXPECT

BE BLOWN AWAY BY ELITE DANCERS 

The grand production is on at the Artscape Opera House from 12 to 23 July. You’ll be mesmerised by the corps de ballet, the beauty of the swans and the breathtaking ballroom scenes. 

Watch in awe as Prince Siegfried falls in love with the Swan Queen Odette, portrayed by prima ballerina Margarita Avdeeva. She will share the lead role with renowned ballerina Irina Kolesnikova, prima ballerina of the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre.

Margarita Avdeeva as Odette. Image: Swan Lake South Africa 

Making her debut appearance in South Africa, Yume Tashine, from Japan, has trained at London's Royal Ballet school and has performed in numerous classic ballet productions throughout America and Asia, including her home country. 

See Swan Lake how it is meant to be seen this July. Image: Swan Lake South Africa

LISTEN TO THE FULL SWAN LAKE SCORE

Despite being written over a century ago – Swan Lake was first performed in St Petersburg in 1895 – Tchaikovsky's ballet has retained its power and popularity, and is still regularly performed by major ballet companies across the globe. 

The score will be played by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, which features some of the finest musicians in South Africa.

Listen to the full Swan Lake score.

GET YOUR TICKETS (+ EXTRA SHOW ADDED)

Due to the tremendous demand for tickets, a performance has been added for Wednesday, 12 July at 7.30pm. There won't be any further additions or extensions to the show once they leave Cape Town and head to Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg. So get your tickets now.

Prima ballerina Margarita Avdeeva as Odile with the Prince and Rothbart. Image: Swan Lake South Africa 

WHEN + WHERE TO WATCH SWAN LAKE

Where: Artscape Opera House
Park: Underground parking area is via Jan Smuts Street.
When: Wednesday 12 to Sunday 23 July 2023
Running time: 120 minutes, times vary per show. Check Computicket for exact times.
Tickets cost: R250 to R695
Online booking: via Computicket.
Or: Shoprite and Checkers outlets, call 0861 915 8000,
Or: Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695. 

Note: Limited facilities for wheelchairs are available in the Opera House. Wheelchair seats can be booked at the Artscape Box Office, at any Computicket outlet, or through the Computicket call centre, 011 340 8000.

By Sarah Jarvis

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