A ballet of love beyond death and a play of courage under fire: Joburg theatre highlights

Returning to the stage just in time for Valentine's Day is "Giselle", arguably the most celebrated of all romantic ballets. Its reappearance is sure to excite both regular theatregoers and dedicated ballet aficionados.

Joburg Ballet is kicking off its 25th anniversary season, celebrating its silver jubilee since its founding in 2001, with the return of the romantic masterpiece.

This iconic ballet, last staged by the company in 2019, holds historical significance for the company, as it was the first ballet ever performed by the troupe when it was known as the South African Ballet Theatre (SABT), and it has remained a staple in their repertoire ever since.

Staging “Giselle” is the acclaimed former South African-born ballerina, Angela Malan. She is now an admired, Europe-based international ballet teacher, coach and producer.

Ballet mistress, Kim Vieira, and assistant producers Nicole Ferreira-Dill and Karen Beukes MacDonald are working alongside Malan on this production.

“Giselle” is a deeply moving tale of love so potent it transcends the grave. This classical ballet explores themes of passion, betrayal, and ultimate forgiveness, featuring one of the most demanding and celebrated roles in the ballerina repertoire.

The title role in the Joburg Ballet season will be shared by principals Tammy Higgins (a role debut), Ryoko Yagyu, and Monike Cristina. Performing opposite them in the leading male role of Albrecht will be Revil Yon (partnering Higgins), Ivan Domiciano (a role debut, with Yagyu), and Bruno Miranda (a role debut, with Cristina).

Gabriella Ghiaroni steps into the role of the icy Queen of the Wilis for the first time, a debut shared by Mario Gaglione as Hilarion. 

Where: Joburg Theatre and the South African State Theatre. 

When: February 12 to 14 at Joburg Theatre. February 20 to 22 at the South African State Theatre. Shows are at 7pm, weekend times differ.

Nobody Told Me

Luc Albinski's play serves as a moving tribute to his mother, honouring her efforts to save lives within the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.

Directed by Ilina Perianova, it stars Aimee Mika Komorowsky, Damon Berry, Liezl de Kock, Andile Mgeyi, Ngwedi Ramphele, Khuthadzo Ndou, Dihan Keun, Jade Scheepers, Mamodibe Ramodibe and Andre Lotter.

“This is not a play… it is a hymn for those who healed others while bleeding unseen; a love song to the stubborn souls who chose duty over self. ‘Nobody Told Me’ is a requiem of laughter and gunpowder, where devotion and delirium dance beneath the shadow of barbed wire. 

“Halina, physician, mother and an unwilling saint, clings to her white coat as if it were a second skin, even as the world begs her to shed it,” says Albinski. 

“While the doctor-mother fights to save lives in the Warsaw Ghetto, her daughter fights to stay by her side; friends argue over faith, duty and survival. Love, betrayal, humour and horror are in the same room. When humanity is outlawed – who dares remain human?”

This is a show that poignant theatregoers will thoroughly enjoy.

Where: Theatre on the Square.  

When: Runs until February 7, 7.30pm.