From Table Mountain to Table Bay, the Mother City boasts a contemporary mix of historic and modern landmarks. One of which is the Artscape Theatre Centre in Foreshore.
It’s a vibrant and multifaceted arts centre that showcases a world of performing arts and creative excellence. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated night out, a good laugh, an evening of profound perspective, or an appreciation of dance and music, there is endless entertainment at this iconic theatre.
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Here’s what you can watch at the Artscape Theatre this October:
Tosca
Following a triumphant tour in Johannesburg, Cape Town audiences will soon be treated to the much-anticipated opera Tosca, the Cape Town Opera’s grandest ensemble performance.
The tragedy, directed by Magdalene Minaar, follows two lovers, Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi, as they navigate romance and political turmoil in 1800s Italy.
The production, renowned for its profoundly emotional music, promises an exhilarating narrative, cinematic direction, and a visually captivating spectacle of jealousy, love, passion and deception.
The impressive cast includes Cape Town Opera soloists, Judith Neilson young artists, guest soloists, the Cape Town Opera Chorus, and the Children’s Chorus, who will be accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under Björn Bantock.
- Date: 12 to 17 September
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: R180 to R510
Manyano ‘The Spirit of Ubuntu’
To kick off the Artscape Heritage Festival, Elvis Sibeko Studios in association with Artscape, presents Manyano ‘The Spirit of Ubuntu’, which premiered at the China Xinjiang International Dance Festival in July 2023.
Directed and choreographed by internationally award-winning producer, choreographer, theatre maker and dance aficionado Elvis Sibeko, with co-choreography by Nkosinathi Mngomezulu and the dancers, the Afro-epic music dance production is set to recuscitate the spirit and power of Ubuntu.
Starting with a showcase of dances from the various South African cultures, including Xhosa, Zulu, Tsonga, Ndebele, Swati, Venda, Khoisan, Pedi, Sotho and Tswana. Thrown into the mix, the production will also feature South African social dances like the pantsula, Sophia Town, gumboots, street dance and amapiano.
The programme later culminates in a never-before-seen Manyano dance celebration where all the different cultural groups come together in unison to create one incredible dance.
- Date: 16 September
- Cost: R100 to R150
Zinzi Nogavu Live ‘Tribute to Madosini’
The incredibly talented Zinzi Nogavu showcases her soulful vocals and mastery of African indigenous instruments in this captivating music show. Prepare to be immersed in the spirit of indigenous music and the power of heritage.
With a focus on Mamu Madosini’s primary instrument, the Uhadi musical bow, the concert celebrates her as a Xhosa music icon and pays homage to the legendary South African musician.
Joined by UCT alumnus and former mentor to Zinzi, Professor Dizu Plaatjies, as a special guest artist, the concert will feature a lineup of skilled musicians blending traditional and western instruments while paying tribute to the enchanting allure of Xhosa melodies and the beautiful legacy of Mamu Madosini.
- Date: 21 to 23 September
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: R135 to R150
Camissa Heritage Tour
Retracing South Africa’s colonial past and its connection to the Netherlands, Camissa Heritage Tour tells the story of our indigenous communities who inhabited South Africa’s landscape dating back thousands of years.
Intending to impact and engage audiences by changing their perspective on experiencing history, heritage and culture through artistic and educative performances, the production brings an awareness to the narratives of the `San` and `Khoi?, the history of slavery in the Cape and colonisation by The Netherlands to attention.
‘When we remember we connect with who we are. CAMISSA, a place of sweet waters, its presence reminds us that water still serves as the source for cleansing and healing.’
- Date: 28 to 30 September
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cost: R100
Not Just Another Cinderella Story
As September comes to a close, Artscape will play host to First Community Resource Centre Arts and Culture’s fundraiser production, Not Just Another Cinderella Story.
True to its name, characters like Cinderella, Jack and Jill, Boy Blue, Mother Hubbard and Humpty Dumpty will portray the social ills on the Cape Flats and raise awareness about GBV, poverty, orphans, and vulnerable children in a dance and drama production about a young girl in search of healing for her broken heart.
- Date: 30 September
- Cost: R150
True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex in the City
From her arrival in New York City alone with just $20 in her pocket to the secrets behind the creation of Sex and the City and finding herself again in her 50s, Showtime Management will be bringing Candace Bushnell to Cape Town in her acclaimed one-woman show True Tales of Sex in the City.
Get the inside scoop of the iconic author’s fabulous philosophy through stories of fashion, literature, sex and New York City while pouring Cosmos in Manolos.
- Date: 30 September
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: R300 to R600
Also read:
Ndlovu Youth Choir will perform at the Artscape Theatre this October
Picture: Artscape / Facebook