For their first production of 2025, Joburg Ballet will be staging “Dreamscapes”, a riveting triple bill offerings.
These shows, which will see the company return to the Roodepoort Theatre after an almost decade-long absence, will also celebrate ancestry as well as beauty and diversity.
These compelling works will also weave together the timeless beauty of “Les Sylphides”,a short, non-narrative ballet blanc to piano music by Frédéric Chopin, selected and orchestrated by Alexander Glazunov.
It will also feature Kitty Phetla’s “The Underworld & Elsewhere” as well as Dane Hurst’s electrifying production, “Resonance”.
“Together, these works form a rich tapestry of tradition, identity and creative exploration, offering audiences an unforgettable dance experience that transcends the realms of reality,” the producers said.
”Les Sylphides” has been described as a cornerstone of classical ballet which transports theatregoers into the magical world. Its choreography is steeped in Romanticism and set to Chopin’s emotive music, it is produced and staged by Joburg Ballet’s ballet mistress Kim Vieira.
Meanwhile, “The Underworld & Elsewhere” delves into the metaphysical ties between past, present and future.
This production is inspired by the enduring presence of ancestral spirits and energies that live with and through us, this work invites audiences to journey into the unseen realms of existence, the producers added.
In addition, “Resonance”, by Hurst, Joburg Ballet’s recently appointed interim artistic director, tackles themes of resonant landscapes, diverse cultural connections and transformation.
It is also driven by renowned South African composer Kyle Shepherd’s evocative album, “South African History !X.”
This show seeks to reflect the vibrancy of the community spirit which exists within underground jazz clubs of historic melting-pot communities like South End, District Six and Sophiatown.
“This work celebrates the enduring power of music and dance to unite, heal and inspire freedom of expression.”
Where: The Roodepoort Theatre.
When: From Friday, March 28, until April 6. Show times differ, depending on the day.
Cost: Tickets range from R100 to R350 and are available through Webtickets.
“Thrill Me - The Leopold & Loeb Story”
This captivating adaptation of Stephen Dolginoff’s internationally acclaimed murder-thriller is set to take theatregoers on a wild ride.
It is based on the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who were known as the “thrill killers”.
The American students kidnapped and killed 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago in May 1924. As the pair committed the murder, which was characterised at the time as "the crime of the century", they hoped to demonstrate superior intellect, which they believed enabled and entitled them to carry out a "perfect crime" without consequences.
Gianluca Gironi stars as Loeb while John Conrad features as Leopold.
Meanwhile, the play will unfold through flashbacks, beginning with a 1958 parole hearing and it is also accompanied by a powerful score.
It is directed by Chris Weare, with musical direction and accompaniment by Jaco Griessel.
“The director has meticulously crafted a fast moving, deeply honest piece that explores obsession, while all the time focusing on the dynamic and toxic relationship between two young men, Richard Loeb played by Gianluca Gironi and Nathan Leopold by John Conrad who move from petty crime to carrying out what has been referred to as the ‘crime of the century’,” the producers said.
Meanwhile, Dolginoff, who played Leopold in the original off-Broadway production, stumbled across this story after much research and was determined to compose a true to life crime musical.
Where: Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre.
When: Runs until March 30. Show times differ, depending on the day.
Cost: Tickets range from R150 to R250 and are available through Webtickets.
“Born Naked”
This play follows the lives of two young drag queens as they navigate their personal transformations and discover their true identities.
The first is the Blaq Widow, played by Sihle Shona, and Queen Bling, who is played by Lethabo Bereng.
The show is directed by Kirsten Harris, it is produced by Ryan Dittmann, with costume designs by Kirsten Harris and Natasha Brown.
“Born Naked” set against the pulsating backdrop of Johannesburg, where Blaq Widow is on the prowl for a quick thrill at the infamous Space.com.
“The city is her playground and she’s ready to shake things up,” the producers said.
They added: “Just when the stakes couldn’t get higher, Blaq Widow’s drag mother, the larger-than-life Queen Bling, makes a dazzling and unexpected appearance.”
They promised attendees “a theatrical experience that assaults your senses with glitz, glamour, blinding colors and a sparkle of glitter.”
“‘Born Naked’ is a celebration of self-expression, drag culture and the unbreakable bond between mentor and queen.”
“Fasten your wigs, Joburg and lock up your partners - Blaq Widow is here to stay.”
Where: Joburg Theatre.
When: Runs until March 30.
Cost: Tickets cost R150 and are available through Webtickets.