This July, ballet, 
indigenous African movement and choral verse join forces in an immersive production that pushes the boundaries of theatrical storytelling. The Bacchae: An African Choral Ballet premieres as part of Joburg Ballet’s 25th anniversary season, presented in collaboration with Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA).
Directed by Jay Pather, with composition by Neo Muyanga and choreography by Mthuthuzeli November, the production transforms Euripides’ classic tragedy into a contemporary South African reflection on power, belonging, spirituality and communal rites. It also interrogates the consequences of excess in today’s society.
“The Bacchae is a tussle between passion, excess and the irrational, versus order, moderation and restraint,” said Pather. “That dynamic resonates strongly with the tensions societies are experiencing today.”
Muyanga’s score, performed by the acclaimed UJ Choir alongside the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, drives the production’s emotional depth, blending text, music and movement into a powerful theatrical experience.
The production also creates space for emerging talent. Students from FADA’s Theatre 101 programme, led by Jade Bowers, contributed to the design elements of the show. Now in its 10th year, the programme offers hands-on experience, allowing students to collaborate with industry professionals while shaping aspects of the final production.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to bold, interdisciplinary work that is both locally grounded and globally relevant,” said Pieter Jacobs, Head of UJ Arts & Culture.
“It is especially meaningful to see young creatives contributing to a production of this scale, gaining experience while helping shape its artistic direction.”
Drawing from Euripides’ original narrative, the ballet follows Dionysus as he arrives in a divided city promising freedom, ecstasy and spiritual awakening. As his influence spreads, order begins to unravel. Pentheus, the city’s ruler, attempts to suppress the movement, only to be drawn into its powerful and destructive force.
Joburg Ballet CEO Elroy Fillis-Bell described the production as a landmark moment. “This work brings together ballet, choral music, theatre and design to create a truly multi-disciplinary experience. It reimagines a European classic through African creativity, offering audiences a production of international calibre.”
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