Opera meets high fashion in Cape Town this October as Opera UCT stages Johann Strauss II’s beloved operetta Die Fledermaus – just in time to celebrate Strauss’s 200th birthday and World Opera Day – in a glitzy, tongue-in-cheek style that promises to be as unforgettable as it is unmissable.
This isn’t your grandmother’s operetta. Opera UCT’s production, directed by Christine Crouse, fizzes with colour, couture and comedy. From the unforgettable waltzes to its iconic arias, including the famous “Mein Herr Marquis”(also known as “The Laughing Song”), this production of Die Fledermaus, delivers a sensory feast, including Act 2’s glittering party scene.
To match the sparkle on stage, audience members are invited to dress up and join Cape Town’s fashionistas, opera lovers, and glitterati – especially on Gala Night, Saturday 25 October. Channel your inner ‘masquerader’: masks are optional but absolutely encouraged for a night of elegance and mischief.
What is an operetta, you ask? Think of it as opera’s flirtatious cousin – lighter, cheekier and filled with sparkling comedy and dance. Perfect for newcomers and seasoned operagoers alike.
This production is a treat for the ears and the eyes, thanks to dazzling costumes by celebrated fashion designer Gavin Rajah, who has styled the show with bold, modern silhouettes, layered with theatrical flair and a clever bat-inspired motif that references the title (Die Fledermaus means The Bat in German). Rajah’s designs are also the perfect foil for Allegra Bernacchioni’s stunning fresh set design. This is opera as you’ve never seen it before – playful, provocative, and utterly stylish
Jeremy Silver, head of Opera UCT and conductor for these performances, says: “Fledermaus is pure, fizzy fun – but it also requires exquisite vocal control, comic timing, and razor-sharp ensemble work. The cast has risen to the challenge in spectacular fashion, and we invite everyone to come and celebrate not just the music of Strauss, but the vibrant future of opera in South Africa.”
The 2025 staging features rising stars in dual casts, including Molly Dzangare, Setsoane Ntseki, Rosa van der Dussen, Nica Reinke, Carmen Traut, Siphosihle Letsoso, Amos Nomnabo and Sisa Mjekula. Funny man Alan Committie adds extra sparkle, wit and comedic absurdity as Frosch, the jailer in one of the key speaking roles in Act 3.
So, whether you’re an opera lover, a curious first timer, a fashion devotee or simply seeking a sophisticated and joy-filled night out – Die Fledermaus is the ticket you didn’t know you needed.
Performance Dates:
23–26 October | Baxter Theatre
Tickets available via Webtickets | Prices: R100 – R500
Under-18s attend free – please book via Webtickets to secure seats.