The Fugard Bioscope in Cape Town will continue its World Opera and Ballet Season on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 21 January until 27 May 2012, in association with The Royal Opera House (ROH), The Royal Ballet Company (RBC) and the Bolshoi Ballet.
Last year the Fugard Theatre, in the heart of District 6, was furnished with state-of-the-art digital cinema and surround sound equipment to transform the theatre into a magnificent bioscope when required. The World Opera and Ballet screenings are presented in full high definition, with 5.1 digital dolby surround sound.
To date, well known ballets such as Swan Lake, Giselle and Coppelia have been screened to large audiences, as well as iconic operas including Tosca and Don Giovanni. Patrons have been enthralled by these world class productions that feature the stars in the opera and ballet world.
Ballet productions that will be screened over the next five months will be The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty and Manon, featuring top dancers who need no introduction to ballet lovers. In the title roles in Don Quixote, the Bolshoi’s scintillating Prima Ballerina Natalia Osipova stars opposite Ivan Vasiliev. As Kitri and Basilio, Osipova and Vasiliev have been described as dancers at their absolute peak who deliver unforgettable and breathtaking performances.
Opera fans can look forward to Il Trittico, Macbeth, Cosi fan tutte and the highly acclaimed Cinderella (Cendrillon). The latter boasts Jules Massenet’s delightfully tuneful score with enchanting fairytale-like sets and costumes. In the production Joyce DiDonato takes the title role, with Alice Coote as her Prince Charming and the fairy godmother played by Eglise Guttierez.
All the ballets and operas in the lineup are a treat and for fans of these exquisite art forms, these screenings are simply not to be missed. Tickets cost R100 per person per screening and include a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival. Friends of the Fugard benefit from generous discounts through the theatre’s box office.
Screenings are at 4pm unless otherwise stated, with bookings via Computicket and the Fugard Theatre Box Office 021 461 4554. There is secure parking in the Harrington Street car park located at the corner of Caledon and Harrington streets and is available for the use of theatre patrons.
Screening dates:
21 and 22 January 2012: Cendrillon (Opera ROH: Massenet)
28 and 29 January 2012: The Nutcracker (Ballet: Bolshoi)
10 and 11 February 2012: Don Quixote (Ballet: Bolshoi)
25 and 26 February 2012: Il Trittico (Opera ROH: Puccini)
10 and 11 March 2012: The Sleeping Beauty (Ballet: Bolshoi)
17 and 18 March 2012: Manon (Ballet RBC: Macmillan)
14 and 15 April 2012: Macbeth (Opera ROH: Verdi)
20 and 27 May 2012: Cosi fan tutte (Opera ROH: Mozart)
