Joburg Ballet’s 'Carmen' heads to Pretoria for two performances

Joburg Ballet's renowned production of Carmen will be performed at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria over two nights, October 24 and 25. This follows a successful 10-show run in Johannesburg. Choreographed by South African virtuoso Veronica Paeper to Bizet's iconic score, Carmen is a cornerstone of the company's 25th anniversary season.

Artistic director Dane Hurst describes the production as a celebration of the company's artistic legacy, showcasing its commitment to "dramatic storytelling, virtuosic dance and the enduring creative partnerships that have defined Joburg Ballet's remarkable journey."

For the Pretoria run, the lead roles of Carmen and Don José will be played by Savannah Jacobson and Mario Gaglione on October 24, and Latoya Mokoena and Miles Carrott on October 25. Mokoena previously made her mark in the Johannesburg production. The Johannesburg season showcased top talents like Revil Yon and Monike Cristina, alongside Ryoko Yagyu and Ivan Domiciano, who also debuted in leading roles. Darragh Hourrides and Bruno Miranda formed a new partnership for the season.

Hurst emphasizes that Carmen was selected to complement other works in the anniversary season, offering a stark contrast to the ethereal romanticism of Giselle, the elegant sophistication of Celestial Bodies, and the visceral power of The Bacchae. The production's choice underscores the diverse artistic identity of Joburg Ballet.

Central to the production are the contributions of choreographer Veronica Paeper, ballet mistress Kim Vieira, and associate ballet mistress Nicole Ferreira-Dill, who have collaborated on multiple Paeper works. The Pretoria performances will be held at the South African State Theatre on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, at 3pm each day. For further details about Joburg Ballet's 25th anniversary season, visit www.joburgballet.com.