Cape Town Opera’s Afrofuturistic Aida at the Artscape

Black Panther meets Dune at Aida by Cape Town Opera

Last updated: Monday, 12 May 2025 

A story that explores love and war, in a futuristic African setting (think Black Panther), with immersive audiovisual displays projected onto moving set pieces. Cape Town Opera’s Aida is unlike any opera (even any other Aida) you might have seen.

It’s happening on 23 - 31 May 2024 and tickets start from just R190. Here’s 10 reasons that could change your mind about going to the opera—the best one might be that it has subtitles. 

1. THINK ROMEO AND JULIET, BUT OPERA   

Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is taken as a slave after Egypt attacks her country. She falls in love with Radamès, an Egyptian military commander. When he is chosen to lead a war with Ethiopia, Aida is conflicted between her love for him and her country. 

Similarly to Romeo and Juliet, it’s a story that has touched audiences for centuries (it was first performed in 1871) because of its central moral dilemma. Should Aida choose love or duty?nbsp;

The four leads of Cape Town Opera’s Aida. Image: Cape Town Opera 

2. IT’S BLACK PANTHER MEETS DUNE 

This dilemma is, excitingly, one of the only similarities between the traditional tale and Cape Town Opera’s 2025 Aida. 

This version is set in an alternative world where African technology, politics and governance have not been influenced by Western colonisation. 

With the Afrofuturistic costumes and set design, and the themes of war and colonisation between Egypt and Ethiopia, it’s like opera meets Black Panther meets Dune.

3. EVERY ELEMENT IS TOTALLY IMMERSIVE 

Every aspect of Aida makes you feel like you’re a part of their world. Moving set pieces (like staircases, arches and platforms) will have audiovisual elements projected onto them, creating futuristic scenes of pyramids, castle quarters and battle scenes.

Add the bold eyeliner, gold and blue makeup, and elaborate face jewellery inspired by Ethiopian and Egyptian cultures, and Aida’s set design and costumes are unlike those of any opera you’ve seen before. 

The elaborate makeup, jewellery and costume design make Aida feel like part of a different world. Image: Cape Town Opera/Nardus Engelbrecht

4. THE BEST OF MUSICAL TALENT  

Of course, what makes opera opera is the impressive display of musical talent. Aida is no different. 

It will feature a 52-member chorus, 18 dancers, 8 leading solo parts, and the revered Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra led by conductor Kamal Khan. 

He’s performed with over 20 opera companies around the world and was the youngest assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. 

5. IT HAS SUBTITLES   

Some audiences struggle to sit through a three-hour performance in a language they don’t understand. The English and isiXhosa subtitles on screen make Aida a lot more accessible (and enjoyable). 

Nobulumko Mngxekeza plays the titular lead. Image: Cape Town Opera/Nardus Engelbrecht 

6. DRESS CODE ISN’T WHAT YOU THINK 

It's not black tie like in the movies. The dress code is smart casual, like what you would wear to an upmarket restaurant. Don’t go in a t-shirt and jeans, and you’ll be fine.

7. GOOD SEATS FROM R190   

Tickets start from R190 for back row seats. Because the Artscape is a curved amphitheatre, the acoustics are great from the back, and these aren’t bad seats just because it’s the back row.  

Amneris, played by Nonhlanhla Yende, is also in love with Radamès. Image: Cape Town Opera/Nardus Engelbrecht

8. YOU CAN GET 10% OFF BY…  

If you buy any four tickets or more, you qualify for 10% off each ticket. There’s tickets for R280, R420, R720 and R980.  

You can also get 10% off if you’re a pensioner or Pick N Pay Smart Shopper.

9. SECURE OR FREE PARKING  

There is free parking between the Artscape and Hertzog Boulevard. For more secure parking, Artscape visitors can park at the Cape Town Civic Centre basement parking for R40. Access is via the Jan Smuts Street entrance. 

There’s also a MyCiti bus station right across from the Artscape at Civic Centre.

10. CENTRAL FOR DRINKS OR DINNER AFTER   

The Artscape is so central, and since you’ll already be dressed up you could explore Kloof, Bree or Long Street. 

The Artscape is so central for food and drinks before or after the show. Image: Artscape Theatre 

SEE CAPE TOWN OPERA’S AIDA 

Aida is happening: 23 - 31 May 2025, 3pm and 7pm shows

Find it: Artscape Theatre, D.F. Malan St, Foreshore, Cape Town

Book: Your Aida tickets on Webtickets
See more: Artscape website, @capetownopera on Instagram 

By Julia Rowley 

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