Staff Reporter|Published
Joburg Ballet’s production of "Carmen" will be staged at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on October 24 and 25, following a 10-performance run in Johannesburg.
The ballet, choreographed by South African choreographer Veronica Paeper to Georges Bizet’s music, forms part of Joburg Ballet’s 25th anniversary season.
"As Joburg Ballet honours 25 years of artistic achievement, 'Carmen' stands as a celebration of continuity, excellence and renewal. It celebrates dramatic storytelling, virtuosic dance and the enduring creative partnerships that have helped define Joburg Ballet's remarkable journey," says artistic director Dane Hurst.
The Pretoria performances will feature different dancers in the lead roles of Carmen and Don José.
Savannah Jacobson and Mario Gaglione will make their debuts in the roles on Saturday, October 24, at 3pm. On Sunday, October 25, Latoya Mokoena will perform as Carmen, with Miles Carrott as Don José. Mokoena made her debut in the role during the Johannesburg run.
The Johannesburg season featured principal dancers Revil Yon and Monike Cristina in the lead roles, alongside Ryoko Yagyu and Ivan Domiciano, who also made their debuts in the leading roles. Darragh Hourrides and Bruno Miranda performed as a new partnership.
Hurst said the production had been selected to complement the other works in the company’s anniversary season.
"Each production for Joburg Ballet's anniversary season has been intentionally chosen to reveal a different facet of the company's artistic identity. 'Carmen' provides the perfect artistic counterpoint to the ethereal romanticism of 'Giselle', the elegant sophistication and expansive beauty of 'Celestial Bodies' and the visceral theatrical power of 'The Bacchae'.
"Driven by Georges Bizet's unforgettable score, choreographed by Veronica Paeper, one of South Africa's most distinguished choreographers and brought to life by the exceptional dancers of Joburg Ballet, it promises to be one of the defining highlights of Joburg Ballet's landmark anniversary season."
Paeper’s production also brings together dancers and ballet staff who have worked with her over the years.
Ballet mistress Kim Vieira and associate ballet mistress Nicole Ferreira-Dill support the production, having performed under Paeper’s direction in several of her works during their own careers.
The Pretoria performances take place at the South African State Theatre on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, both at 3pm. More information about Joburg Ballet’s 25th anniversary season is available at www.joburgballet.com.