Carmen: The Ballet

Carmen: The Ballet returns to the Joburg Theatre from 25 September to 4 October as part of Joburg Ballet’s 25th Anniversary Season.

Based on the famous story of Carmen and set to Georges Bizet’s unforgettable music, the production brings passion, jealousy, desire and betrayal to the stage through dance. Veronica Paeper’s version of the classic follows Carmen, a fiery and free-spirited woman whose allure draws the soldier Don José into a dangerous world of desire and obsession. When Carmen turns her attention to the glamorous bullfighter Escamillo, Don José’s love turns to jealousy, setting the stage for a devastating final encounter.

The production combines classical ballet with theatrical storytelling and Spanish-inspired drama, making it an appealing choice even for those who might not usually think of themselves as ballet fans. It is less about simply watching a traditional ballet and more about seeing one of the world’s best-known stories brought to life through movement, music and performance.

The season opens on 25 September at the Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, with performances continuing through to 4 October. Tickets range from R150 to R670, giving you a few different options for experiencing the production.

When: 25 September–4 October 2026
Where: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg
Tickets: Available through Webtickets

More info here