Orpheus in the Underworld at Artscape

Cape Town City Ballet's latest production takes Offenbach's comic masterpiece and runs with it: Orpheus is quietly thrilled when Eurydice escapes to the underworld, having spent one too many evenings critiquing his violin playing. It's only under pressure from his mother Calliope, and some divine intervention, that he's reluctantly dispatched to bring her back.

What follows across three acts is pure farce – gags, gods, and hijinks in full classical style.

The production brings together some of Cape Town's finest: music specially arranged by Michael Tuffin, original designs by Peter Cazalet, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Brandon Phillips. Principal dancers Leusson Muniz and Kirstél Paterson lead as the spectacularly ill-matched Orpheus and Eurydice.

Running 12 – 21 June 2026 at Artscape Theatre Centre, with evening performances at 7pm, Saturday matinees at 2pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Note that the 13 and 14 June matinees will be performed to recorded music.

Tickets: R250 – R650 via Webtickets or Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.

Artscape Theatre Centre, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town - capetowncityballet.org.za