The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet
Joburg Ballet and UJ Arts & Culture join forces in a bold reimagining of the Euripides classic: The Bacchae
“Joburg Ballet’s 25thAnniversary Season promises a monumental year of dance with a range of exciting productions that will showcase the company’s rich history, artistic vision and its institutional growth”, said Joburg Ballet’s CEO, Elroy Fillis-Bell at the launch of Joburg Ballet’s milestone Silver Jubilee year.
This July, Joburg Ballet, in partnership with Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA), proudly presents a world-first Choral Ballet that reimagines Euripides’ iconic tragedy through a uniquely South African lens – The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet.
Premiering as part of Joburg Ballet’s 25th Anniversary season, The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet runs from 3 to 12 July at the Joburg Theatre.
This groundbreaking new work has brought together an extraordinary team of internationally acclaimed South African creative giants.
Directed by the visionary Jay Pather, choreographed by the multi-award-winning choreographer Mthuthuzeli November, conceptualised, written and composed by the celebrated composer Neo Muyangaand featuring the powerful voices of the acclaimed UJ Choir and a live chamber orchestra, the creative team transforms Euripides’ tragedy into an urgent South African conversation about power, belonging, spirituality and communal rites, while making visible the consequences of excess.
“The Bacchae is a tussle between passion, excess, the irrational and allowing the irrational to run free, as opposed to order, moderation and restraint. That dynamic sets itself very well at this time in our history, where societies across the world are feeling that tension and that pull,” says Pather.
Muyanga’s soaring score and intoxicating rhythm drive the emotional pulse of the work. He blends the powerful voices of the 80-strong UJ Choir with the orchestra, while Joburg Ballet’s world-class dancers bring a visceral force that speaks to both ancient myth and contemporary society.
“UJ Arts & Culture’s collaboration with Joburg Ballet reflects our commitment to fostering bold, interdisciplinary work that is both locally grounded and globally resonant,” says Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture.
“The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet creates a powerful platform for artistic exchange – bringing together professional artists, composers, choreographers and our students in a shared process of innovation and learning. It’s especially meaningful to see our young creatives from FADA – the interdisciplinary programme that has students working alongside theatre professionals, contributing to a production of this scale.”
Drawing from Euripides’ classic, the full-length ballet reinterprets the tale with a richness of movement, sound and choral tradition. The tragedy follows Dionysus, who arrives in a divided city promising freedom, ecstasy and spiritual awakening. As his intoxicating presence sweeps through Thebes, women abandon convention and a chorus of voices rises in ecstatic defiance. Pentheus, the rigid young ruler, vows to restore order and crush the growing movement; but curiosity and desire draw him dangerously close to the very force he condemns.
“This landmark production holds enormous potential for South Africa and beyond,” says Fillis- Bell.
“With the collaboration of UJ Arts & Culture and the expertise of the incredible creative team, ballet, choral music, theatre and visual design have been woven into a tapestry that transcends artistic boundaries to create a truly immersive, multi-disciplinary experience. It reinterprets a European classic through African creativity, giving audiences a work of international calibre that reflects the richness of our voices and traditions. Not only will this production elevate ballet and dance on the continent but it will also stand as a symbol of innovation, resilience and artistic power in South Africa’s cultural history.”
At Joburg Theatre from 3 to 12 July 2026.
Friday 3 July – 19:00 | R140- R500
Saturday 4 July – 14:00 | R280 – R1000
Sunday 5 July – 14:00 | R280 – R1000
Wednesday 8 July – 11:00 & Thursday 9 July – 11:00 | R150
Friday 10 July – 19:00 | R280 – R1000
Saturday 11 July – 14:00 | R280 – R1000
Sunday 12 July – 14:00 | R280 – R1000
Tickets can be purchased via Webtickets: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/seating.aspx?itemid=1588363434
For more information about Joburg Ballet’s 25th Anniversary Season, visit www.joburgballet.com
Keep up to date with Joburg Ballet online: Facebook: @JoburgBalletCompany | Instagram: @joburg_ballet | X: @joburgballet |LinkedIn: @joburgballet
