Joburg Ballet is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with the staging of French composer Georges Bizet's Carmen, a production that promises to be a thrilling and passionate rendition of the classic ballet. The ballet, choreographed by renowned dancer and choreographer Veronica Paeper, features a stellar cast, including Revil Yon and Brazil's Monike Cristina in the leading roles of Don José and Carmen. This production marks the fourth ballet to be staged by Joburg Ballet as part of their anniversary celebrations.
Artistic director Dane Hurst says that staging Carmen is a significant milestone for the company, as it allows the dancers to showcase their acting abilities and theatricality. "Carmen gives the dancers a whole new theatricality, it's a challenge for them to get their acting abilities out because it's a character work," Hurst explains. The production requires the dancers to be fully rounded performers, combining technical skill with dramatic expression.
Paeper, who has over 60 years of experience in the industry, has staged Carmen before, but audiences can expect a fresh and novel interpretation. "Every time I reproduce a ballet, I can't help fiddling with it a bit so I improve it," she says with a smile. The 82-year-old choreographer is lauded by Hurst for her ability to tell stories through her choreography, which is a crucial ingredient in the production.
The cast of Carmen is diverse and stellar, featuring a mix of local and international dancers. Ryoko Yagyu, Ivan Domiciano, Darragh Hourrides, and Bruno Miranda are among the professional dancers with the company, while students from the National School of the Arts will also be taking to the stage. Cristina, Yagyu, and Hourrides' principal roles are challenging ones, according to Paeper, who describes Carmen as "strong, sexy, manipulative, everything that I can't do."
Hurst and Paeper are enthusiastic about the production, which they believe will resonate with audiences. "I think everybody can connect with the characters because there's a little bit of all of us in each one of them," Hurst says. Paeper agrees, adding that the ballet is a tale of universality that transcends technical terms. The production is set to Bizet's iconic score, which features the famous "Habanera" aria.
The production of Carmen will be performed at Joburg Theatre from September 30 to October 4 and at the State Theatre from October 24 to 25. Tickets are available via Webtickets, and Hurst and Paeper are confident that the production will be met with a standing ovation. "That would be the cherry on the cake," Hurst grins.
The return of Carmen to Joburg Ballet's stage is a testament to the company's commitment to showcasing world-class ballet productions. With its diverse cast, stunning choreography, and iconic score, this production is set to be a highlight of the company's 25-year anniversary celebrations. Audiences can expect a thrilling and passionate rendition of the classic ballet.
Key points
- Joburg Ballet presents Georges Bizet's Carmen as part of their 25-year anniversary celebrations.
- The production features a diverse and stellar cast, including Revil Yon and Monike Cristina in the leading roles.
- The ballet is choreographed by Veronica Paeper and directed by Dane Hurst.
