Joburg Ballet Presents “Carmen”: A Special Spring Staging to Ring in 25 Years

Throughout the year, Joburg Ballet has been honouring 25 years of creative excellence with stagings of both classic ballets and fresh, locally choreographed works.

This spring, the mesmerising Carmen is given new life. The production honours one of South Africa’s greatest choreographic voices – the acclaimed Veronica Paeper – whose contribution to Joburg Ballet’s artistic legacy has been profound.

From 25 September to 4 October 2026, Veronica presents the return of her awe-inspiring interpretation of Carmen at the Joburg Theatre before the ballet arrives in Pretoria for a two-show run on 24 and 25 October 2026.

Joburg Ballet presents Carmen - Dancers Monike Cristina and Revil Yon Image credit Lauge Sorensen | What's on in Joburg — Dancers Monike Cristina and Revil Yon | Image credit: Lauge Sorensen

Joburg Ballet brings a tale of passion and betrayal to life

Each production for Joburg Ballet’s 25th anniversary season has been intentionally chosen to reveal a different facet of the company’s artistic identity.

Carmen not only celebrates the remarkable artists who shaped the company but provides the perfect artistic counterpoint to the ethereal romanticism of Giselle, the elegant sophistication and expansive beauty of Celestial Bodies and the visceral theatrical power of The Bacchae.

Leading the cast are principal dancers Revil Yon, the only South African male principal in the country and Brazil’s Monike Cristina in the iconic leading roles of Don José and Carmen.

Debuting in the lead roles are Ryoko Yagyu and Ivan Domiciano and they, together with the new partnership of Darragh Hourrides and Bruno Miranda, add fresh energy and theatrical vitality to the production.

Carmen also introduces audiences to the dancers who carry Joburg Ballet’s legacy forward with a promise, ambition and artistic excellence that will shape the company’s future. These dancers include Latoya Mokoena, Chloe Blair, Gabriella Ghiaroni, Mario Gaglione, Miles Carrott and Miguel Franco-Green.

Supporting Paeper in bringing Carmen to life are Ballet Mistress Kim Vieira and Associate Ballet Mistress Nicole Ferreira-Dill. Both have performed under Ms Paeper’s direction in many of her celebrated productions throughout their own distinguished careers. Their support represents a seamless passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.

Joburg Ballet presents Carmen Dancers Latoya Mokoena and Mario Gaglione Image credit Lauge Sorensen | What's on in Joburg — Dancers Latoya Mokoena and Mario Gaglione | Image credit: Lauge Sorensen

How to book

Joburg Ballet hosts an Open Day for Carmen on Saturday, 12 September at the Joburg Ballet Studios in Braamfontein, offering the public the opportunity to watch the dancers at class and rehearsals.

Cost: R165pp (Open Day ticket); R250pp to R800pp (Joburg shows); R200pp to R450pp (Pretoria shows). Book for the Open Day via Quicket, Joburg shows via Webtickets here and Pretoria shows via Webtickets here.

When: Open Day – Saturday, 12 September 2026 from 10am to 1pm | Joburg shows – running from 25 September to 4 October 2026 at various times | Pretoria shows – Saturday and Sunday, 24 and 25 October 2026 at 3pm
Where: Open Day – Joburg Ballet Studios, 26 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein | Joburg – Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg | Opera Theatre at The SA State Theatre, 320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central, Pretoria