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Cape Town Opera is bringing one of opera’s biggest crowd-pleasers back to the stage this May, with a new production of Carmen running at Artscape from 19-31 May 2026.
‘Carmen’ is perhaps the most famous work by the French composer Georges Bizet, and if you’re new to opera, it’s a fairly easy entry point into the art form.
This time around, the staging comes courtesy of theatre director Steven Stead. Set in early 1930s-era Seville, Spain, you can look forward to all the passion, jealousy and fatal attraction that have made Carmen a classic since its first performance in Paris in 1875. From the bustle of the cigarette factory to the charged spectacle of the bullring, it’s set to a score packed with instantly recognisable favourites, including the ‘Habanera’ and ‘Toreador Song’.
Leading the cast is Nonhlanhla Yende in the title role, with Lukhanyo Moyake as Don José, the soldier. Vuvu Mpofu takes on the role of Micaëla, while Conroy Scott appears as the swaggering Escamillo. Brittany Smith and Khayakazi Madlala round out the principal cast as Frasquita and Mercédès. Cape Town Opera’s Vocal Ensemble and Children’s Chorus will be joined by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Tim Murray.
The opening night also marks a major milestone for Artscape, with the first performance taking place as the venue celebrates its 55th anniversary.
But, you’d better be quick, as there are only six performances in the run:
- Evening performances take place on 19, 21, 27 and 29 May at 7pm
- Matinees on 23 and 31 May at 2pm.
- The show runs for around three hours, with an interval
- Duration: 3hrs +/-; with interval
- Age Restriction: No Under 5s; no babies in arms
- Tickets for Carmen are available through Webtickets, from R180 to R950
- Discounts apply for students, pensioners and group bookings of eight or more.
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