Cape Town City Ballet Will Perform ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD at Artscape

Cape Town City Ballet will perform Orpheus in the Underworld, a light-hearted and visually striking production by celebrated South African choreographer Veronica Paeper. The production runs at the Artscape Opera House from 12 to 21 June 2026.

One of South Africa's oldest and most established ballet companies, CTCB continues to enchant audiences with its versatility and artistic excellence. With Orpheus in the Underworld the company showcases its comedic flair in a ballet designed to appeal to newcomers and ballet lovers of all ages.

Set in the stylish 1920s, sets and costumes are by Peter Cazalet with additional audio visual effects by Kirsti Cumming. Audiences can expect flapper glamour, Mafia intrigue, poolside antics and a decadent Underworld nightclub, creating a richly theatrical backdrop for this playful twist on the classic Greek myth. 
Inspired by Jacques Offenbach's iconic comic operetta, Orpheus in the Underworld comes to life in a vibrant orchestral arrangement by Michael Tuffin, performed by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Brandon Phillips.

When Eurydice absconds with the dashing Pluto, Orpheus is less than heartbroken. However, the gods intervene and what follows is a riotous journey through Olympus and Hades filled with mischief, larger-than-life characters and exuberant choreography.

The cast is led by Leusson Muniz, Axton Green and Caesar Elsner as the dreamer Orpheus, while CTCB principal ballerina Kirstél Paterson alternates as Eurydice with Hannah Ward and Isabella Blair. Pluto is danced by Zachary Healy, Axton Green and Leusson Muniz and the role of Calliope—Orpheus' irrepressible, tippling mother—is danced by Hannah Ward, Caitlin Smith and Kirstél Paterson. Hera is danced by Caitlin Smith and Isabella Blair, Venus by Sasha Barnes, Georgia Richardson and Genevieve Magua, and Mercury by Fanelo Ndweni and Luke Wragg. In non-dancing roles, former CTCB principals Laura Bösenberg and Johnny Bovang will make guest appearances as the Grandparents with Bovang also cast as Jupiter, and theatre actor Gregan Aherin as Offenbach.

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