| What: Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus– presented by Opera UCT When: October 23–26, 2025 (four performances) Where: Baxter Theatre, Cape Town Gala Night: Saturday October 25, 5pm Performance times: Oct 23 and 24 at7pm; Oct 25 at 5pm and Oct 26 at 3pm Tickets: R100-R500. Under 18s may attend at no cost – see Webtickets for info Director: Christine Crouse Conductor: Jeremy Silver Set design: Allegra Bernacchioni Costume design: Gavin Rajah |
Thrilling news is the staging by Opera UCT of Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus at the Baxter in Cape Town, from October 23–26, 2025. There are four performances only. See box above for performance times. The production, directed by Christine Crouse is set in in a jazz club in contemporary Cape Town. Renowned designer, Gavin Rajah has styled the show with a “21st century in a wardrobe that fuses sustainable couture with street-smart swagger”, layered with a “theatrical flair and a clever bat-inspired motif that references the title (Die Fledermaus –The Bat in German).” The set is by the fabulous Allegra Bernacchioni. Songs will be sung in German, with English surtitles but the dialogue is in English. We must mention the red carpet Gala Night on October 25 (starts 5pm), a celebration in honour of Strauss’s 200th birthday and World Opera Day. There is an invitation to dress up with glitz, glam and masks. There are two casts. Actor/comic/director Alan Committie is in both casts as Frosch, the jailer. It is a speaking role, so no singing from the multi-talented Committie. Read on for more. Info as supplied:
A Toast to Glamour, Laughter and Opera
Opera UCT’s Die Fledermaus Promises a Fashion-Forward Frolic!
October 23–26, 2025 | Baxter Theatre, Cape Town
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 October 25. 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:
October 23–26 | Baxter Theatre
Tickets available via Webtickets | Prices: R100 – R500
Under-18s attend free – please book via Webtickets to secure seats.
Opera UCT’s production of Die Fledermaus is also supported by Pick ‘n Pay Clothing, with make-up and hair direction by Raine Tauber with support from Nars Cosmetics
| Opera UCT on Social Media: Facebook: OperaUCT Instagram: @operauct TikTok: @operauct X: @OperaUCT #OperaUCT #UCTFledermaus About Die Fledermaus A comic operetta in three acts by Johann Strauss II, Die Fledermaus is a masterwork of disguise, deception and dancing. The plot centres on a grand masked ball where secrets are revealed, lovers are tested, and champagne flows freely. With its mix of farce, flirtation and unforgettable melodies, it remains one of the most enduring and popular works in the operatic repertoire. |
✳ Setsoane Ntseki is performing in Die Fledermaus, presented by Opera UCT, Baxter, October 23–26, 2025. Sponsored content. Images supplied.
