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Greek National Opera Ballet to Make South African Debut

In a landmark cultural moment, the Greek National Opera Ballet (GNO) will perform in South Africa for the very first time as part of Dance Intersect 2025, taking place in Cape Town at Artscape Theatre this October.

The company will present Les Nuits d’été, a contemporary ballet by acclaimed choreographer Konstantinos Rigos, set to the timeless song cycle by French composer Hector Berlioz.  Drawing on the poetry of Théophile Gautier, Berlioz’ delicate melodies evoke love in its most idealised form – and Rigos reimagines these themes through a choreographic language that bridges classical ballet technique with modern romanticism.

“Les Nuits d’été is a work that makes us reminisce of all those nights we love, fall in love, dream, live,” says Konstantinos Rigos, Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera Ballet.  “It speaks to the fluidity of relationships and the delicate interplay between light and shadow – a kaleidoscope of emotions that feel both timeless and contemporary.”

For Cape Town’s ballet lovers, this marks a rare opportunity to witness one of Europe’s most celebrated companies. With costumes by Deux Hommes and Rigos’ signature style of blending tradition with striking modernity, the performance promises to be both visually arresting and emotionally resonant.

Anderson Carvalho, founder of Dance Intersect and Artistic Director of ACDC, added: “Hosting the Greek National Opera Ballet in South Africa for the first time is an honour. This production brings international excellence to our stage and offers audiences a chance to experience ballet at its most evocative – where classical beauty meets contemporary expression.”

Dance Intersect 2025 is an Anderson Carvalho dance and choreography initiative, is produced by Elvis Sibeko Studios in association with Artscape Theatre Centre.  It continues its mission of creating a global meeting point for dance, showcasing both international companies and South African talent in a festival that celebrates movement without borders.

The production is also proudly supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (under Dutch development policy), Tristan Finance, the Van Ewijck foundation, and the Embassy of Spain in South Africa.

Event Details

Dance Intersect 2025
Dates: 2 – 4 October 2025
Venue: Artscape Theatre
Tickets: Available now via Webtickets

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