The Bacchae: Joburg Ballet's Bold World-First Comes to Johannesburg

Imagine sitting in a theatre as dozens of voices rise behind a live orchestra while dancers move across the stage. It sounds like the kind of ambitious production you might expect to see in London or New York. Instead, it is happening right here in Johannesburg.

The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet brings together dance, music, and storytelling in a way audiences have never experienced before, creating a performance that blurs the boundaries between ballet, choral music, and theatre.

More Than a Traditional Ballet

What makes this production remarkable is the way it combines multiple art forms on one stage.

Joburg Ballet's dancers will perform alongside an 80-member UJ Choir and a live chamber orchestra in what is being described as a world-first choral ballet. Rather than serving as a backdrop, the music and voices become an active part of the storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience for audiences.

Inspired by Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy, the production reimagines an age-old story through a contemporary South African lens, exploring themes of power, identity, belief, and human behaviour.

A Creative Collaboration

The production brings together some of South Africa's most respected creative talents.

Acclaimed director Jay Pather leads the project, with award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November creating the movement language and celebrated composer Neo Muyanga providing an original score that blends classical influences with contemporary South African sounds.

The collaboration between Joburg Ballet and UJ Arts & Culture adds further depth, creating a production that sits somewhere between ballet, opera, theatre, and choral performance.

Why This One Stands Out

Johannesburg audiences are often the first to welcome international productions. This time, they will be the first to witness one being created here.

For ballet lovers, The Bacchae offers something fresh and innovative. For music lovers, it delivers the power of live voices and orchestral performance. And for anyone looking for a memorable cultural experience this winter, it presents a rare opportunity to see South African artists pushing the boundaries of what live performance can be.

Just the Facts

What: The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet

When: 3 to 12 July 2026

Where: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein

Tickets: R140 - R1000

Book: Webtickets

Good to Know: Features Joburg Ballet, an 80-member UJ Choir, and a live chamber orchestra in a world-first choral ballet production.

The Bottom Line

Joburg Ballet has never been afraid to take creative risks, and The Bacchae may be one of its most ambitious projects yet. Combining powerful music, contemporary choreography, and large-scale live performance, it promises an evening that is both visually striking and emotionally moving. For anyone looking to experience something genuinely different on Johannesburg's cultural calendar, this is a production worth adding to the diary.