Latoya Mokoena as Carmen.

Joburg Ballet’s Carmen, a passionate celebration of artistic legacy heads to Pretoria’s State Theatre.

“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.

“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.

Veronica Paeper’s contribution to Joburg Ballet’s artistic legacy has been profound. Her electrifying interpretation of Carmen opened at the Joburg Theatre for a 10 performance run from Friday 25 September to Sunday 4 October.

Now, its’s the turn of Pretoria. Carmen is being presented at the South African State Theatre, Pretoria for two performances only on Saturday 24 October at 15:00 and Sunday 25 October at 15:00.

The Saturday 24 October performance marks the debuts of Savannah Jacobsen and Mario Gaglione in the roles of Carmen and Don José, while the Sunday 25 October performance will feature Latoya Mokoena – fresh from her debut during the Joburg run and Miles Carrott.

Carmen celebrates the remarkable artists who shaped the company – the Joburg Theatre season featured principal dancers Revil Yon, the only South African male principal in the country and Brazil’s Monike Cristina in the iconic lead roles of Don José and Carmen, principal dancers Ryoko Yagyu and Ivan Domiciano who debuted in the lead roles and the new partnership of Darragh Hourrides and Bruno Miranda.

Carmen introduces the dancers who will carry its legacy forward – the emergence of the next generation of leading artists whose performances embody the promise, ambition and artistic excellence that will shape the company’s future and Latoya Mokoena’s debut as Carmen with Miles Carrott as Don José added fresh energy and theatrical vitality to the production.

Carmen also celebrates artistic lineage – supporting Paeper in bringing Carmen to life are Ballet Mistress Kim Vieira and Associate Ballet Mistress Nicole Ferreira-Dill. Both have performed under Ms Paeper’s direction in many of her celebrated productions throughout their own distinguished careers. Their support represents a seamless passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.

Carmen booking information
South African State Theatre, Pretoria
Saturday 24 October at 15:00 | Sunday 25 October at 15:00 (R300 – R480)
Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets.

For more information about Joburg Ballet’s 25th Anniversary Season, visit www.joburgballet.com

Keep up to date with Joburg Ballet online: Facebook: @JoburgBalletCompany | Instagram: @joburg_ballet | X: @joburgballet | LinkedIn: @joburgballet

Di Sparks
disparks@artslink.co.za
073 208 8483
Joburg Ballet
http://www.joburgballet.com