Hidden Giants is a Cosmic Evening of Sound, Storytelling and Cinematic Visuals

Hidden Giants is an innovative new production that brings the mysteries of Black Holes to life through original live music, a captivating talk, and cinematic visuals. The show runs for two nights only on 8 and 9 May at the Joburg Theatre.

“This isn’t just a show; it’s an immersive journey through our universe and our place in it – a truly novel kind of live entertainment,” says Dr Luca Pontiggia, co-founder of The Universe on Stage, who produced the show. The Universe on Stage offers a visual, musical, intellectual, and emotional journey into the mysteries of Black Holes and the power of human curiosity.

The story and talk behind Hidden Giants

Hidden Giants explores how humanity captured the most mysterious objects in the heart of our Milky Way galaxy. Black Holes are cosmic giants that, by definition, should be unseeable. An impossible idea, they’ve captured the curiosity of countless minds since World War I. In 2019 the first-ever image of a Black Hole was captured.

The story narrated by Dr Luca Pontiggia follows key figures like Einstein and the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team, delving into the nature of Black Holes and the end of our universe while explaining the core science behind these concepts simply and beautifully.

Composer Yasheen Modi crafts a special cinematic score to accompany the storytelling and create an immersive experience that draws the audience deeper into exploring these cosmic mysteries.

More about The Universe On Stage

The Universe On Stage is an independent studio founded by two friends of wildly different backgrounds. Yasheen Modi is a guitarist, vocalist, and lyricist and has been playing the piano since age 8. Dr Luca Pontiggia holds an undergraduate degree in Nuclear Engineering and at the age of 27, a PhD in String Theory.

Launching in 2022 at The Bioscope cinema, they have since performed over 30 sell-out shows, becoming the most successful show in the 14 years at The Bioscope. They have ambitions to perform on the largest stages around South Africa and eventually, the world.

The duo hosts live science talks coupled with a musical score played live on stage, backdropped by beautiful cinematic visuals. Performances are crafted to make science not just accessible but relatable, beautiful and entertaining for all audiences. Engaging both the intellect and the emotions, it is, simply put, science in symphony.

How to book tickets + special discounts

Students and teachers can request 50% off tickets by tagging or DMing @theuniverseonstage. The offer is valid for Thursday, 8 May only.

Gather the colleagues for an intellectual evening out with a 15% Corporate Discount valid for groups of 10+, and can be redeemed for both show nights.

And if you’re planning on going with the friends, there’s a 10% Group Discount on offer for bookings of 10 or more.

Cost: R280pp to R340pp. Book via Webtickets

When: Thursday, 8 May and Friday, 9 May from 7:30pm to 9pm
Where: The Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg