There is something undeniably magical about an evening at the ballet. The moment the theatre lights dim, the orchestra begins to play and the curtain rises, audiences are transported into another world entirely. Cape Town City Ballet’s Orpheus in the Underworld, currently showing at the Artscape Theatre, does exactly that, delivering a production that is as hilarious as it is technically brilliant.
Choreographed by celebrated South African choreographer Veronica Paeper and inspired by Jacques Offenbach’s beloved comic operetta, Orpheus in the Underworld offers a playful reimagining of the classic Greek myth. Set against the glamour and decadence of the 1920s, complete with flapper-inspired costumes, Mafia-style intrigue and a lavish Underworld nightclub, the production is a visual feast from start to finish.
At the heart of the story is Orpheus, the dreamy and somewhat reluctant husband whose reaction to Eurydice’s disappearance is far from tragic. Eurydice, meanwhile, finds herself swept away by the charismatic Pluto, setting in motion a riotous adventure through Olympus and Hades. Along the way, audiences encounter an array of wonderfully eccentric characters, from the irrepressible Calliope and commanding Hera to the glamorous Venus and mischievous Mercury.
The cast embraced these larger-than-life roles with infectious enthusiasm. Leusson Muniz brought both charm and humour to Orpheus, while Kirstél Paterson shone as Eurydice, balancing elegance with a delightful sense of mischief. Zachary Healy’s Pluto was magnetic, commanding the stage whenever he appeared, while Hannah Ward’s portrayal of Calliope provided some of the production’s most memorable comedic moments. The supporting cast, including Caitlin Smith, Isabella Blair, Sasha Barnes, Georgia Richardson, Genevieve Magua, Fanelo Ndweni and Luke Wragg, added depth, energy and personality throughout.
What makes this production so captivating is the extraordinary calibre of the dancers. Every movement is executed with precision, grace and seemingly effortless control. Yet beneath the elegance lies incredible athleticism. The soaring leaps, gravity-defying lifts, rapid turns and intricate partnering work drew attention from the audience on numerous occasions. There is a prestige and refinement to Cape Town City Ballet’s dancers that reflects years of training, but what impressed most was their ability to combine technical excellence with genuine character and humour.
This is not a ballet where dancers simply perform steps. They inhabit their roles completely, bringing warmth, comedy and individuality to every scene. Their expressive performances made the story easy to follow, even for those unfamiliar with the original myth, and ensured there was never a dull moment on stage.
The production’s visual splendour is matched only by its musical accompaniment. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Brandon Phillips, was nothing short of magnificent. In many ways, the orchestra was a show in itself. Offenbach’s exuberant score, arranged by Michael Tuffin, was performed with such vitality and precision that it became an integral part of the storytelling. From playful passages that heightened the comedy to sweeping orchestral moments that added drama and grandeur, the musicians brought an energy that elevated every scene.
There were moments when it was impossible not to glance down into the orchestra pit, captivated by the skill and passion of the performers. The relationship between orchestra and dancers felt completely symbiotic, each enhancing the other to create a truly immersive theatrical experience. It served as a powerful reminder that great ballet is as much about the music as it is the movement.
Visually stunning, musically rich and endlessly entertaining, Orpheus in the Underworld proves that ballet can be funny, accessible and utterly captivating. Whether you are a seasoned ballet lover or attending your first performance, this production offers an evening of pure joy.
Cape Town City Ballet has delivered a spectacular winter production that celebrates not only the beauty of dance but the magic of live performance itself. By the time the final curtain fell, the audience rose to its feet in appreciation, and deservedly so. This was ballet at its most entertaining – elegant, exuberant and impossible not to love.
Orpheus in the Underworld
Where: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
When: 12 to 21 June 2026
Tickets from R250 are available from Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695 and Webtickets
Images: Brenda Veldtman