SCENE IT: Cape Town Opera’s futuristic AIDA dazzles with vision, vocal power, and brilliance

Marina Griebenow

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Guiseppe Verdi’s AIDA, a grand opera steeped in themes of love, loyalty and imperial conquest, has seen countless interpretations since its premiere in 1871. But rarely does it receive the bold, imaginative treatment that Cape Town Opera (CTO), in collaboration with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), delivers in its current staging at the Artscape Opera House.

Photo by Oscar O'Ryan.

Directed by Magdalene Minnaar and conducted by US-based maestro Kamal Khan, this production reimagines AIDA through an African futuristic lens, catapulting the story into the year 3025 with flair, intelligence, and artistic audacity.

At the heart of the production is Nobulumko Mngxekeza as Aida, whose portrayal is as vocally sublime as it is emotionally layered. She embodies the Ethiopian princess with a balance of regal dignity and unguarded vulnerability, adding just enough sass to make it clear why Radamès would defy his nation for her love. Mngxekeza’s command of the stage and crystalline vocal delivery create a heroine both noble and relatable, bringing fresh life to one of opera’s most iconic roles.

Opposite her, Nonhlanhla Yende delivers a revelatory performance as Amneris. With her rich mezzo-soprano and imposing stage presence, Yende paints a nuanced portrait of a woman torn between love, jealousy, and duty. Even as the narrative casts Amneris as Aida’s rival, Yende’s sensitive interpretation evokes empathy, especially in the harrowing scene of Radamès’ condemnation. Her entrance during the Triumphal March, crowned in a shimmering gold headpiece, is an unforgettable moment—glamorous, powerful, and steeped in historical resonance.

Photo by Oscar O'Ryan.

Lukhanyo Moyake brings youthful energy and vocal finesse to Radamès, starting strong with a soaring Celeste Aida that sets the tone for his character’s tragic arc. Conroy Scott’s Amonasro is another standout; his portrayal of Aida’s father is marked by sonorous depth and a profound understanding of the role’s gravitas. So complete was his transformation, one could be forgiven for not recognizing him at first.

Minnaar’s directorial vision soars with the futuristic setting, which repositions ancient Thebes as a cosmos-spanning empire. The aesthetic, a stunning Afrocentric fusion of past and future, is realized through the exquisite production design by Louis and Nadine Minnaar, dazzling costumes by Roman Handt, and textured, atmospheric lighting by Oliver Hauser. Animation by Werner Burger and Louis Minnaar adds digital magic, while Gregory Maqoma’s choreography for Jazzart’s talented dancers injects kinetic energy into the grand set pieces.

The 52-member chorus, a celebrated force in its own right, elevates every scene with its vocal might and visual vibrancy. Outfitted in interstellar regalia, the ensemble brings a carnival of colour and movement to the production. The Triumphal March becomes a veritable spectacle—a kaleidoscopic convergence of music, dance, and costume that wouldn’t feel out of place in Phantom of the Opera’s "Masquerade" sequence. From celestial beings to the odd pretzel-shaped creation, no character was left uncostumed or unnoticed.

Photo by Oscar O'Ryan.

Yet amidst all this pageantry, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra remains the invisible backbone of the production. Under Khan’s elegant, precise baton, the orchestra delivers a performance of endurance and musical excellence. Tucked beneath the stage for over three hours, the musicians never miss a beat, anchoring the performance with discipline and passion. Their contribution cannot be overstated.

Cape Town Opera’s AIDA is more than a triumph; it’s a declaration. It affirms the capability of South African artists to mount productions that rival international standards while asserting their own aesthetic voice. It’s a celebration of heritage, imagination and excellence.

If this is what the year 3025 looks like through the lens of Cape Town’s opera creatives, we can only hope the CTO and CPO will still be there to tell our stories—louder, prouder, and ever more boldly.

AIDA runs at the Artscape Opera House until Saturday, 31 May 2025. Tickets can be booked through Webticket. Please note, no under 5’s are permitted.