Cast for A Spartacus of Africa ballet is unveiled

“I am delighted to announce that Brooklyn Mack, and two of South Africa’s dancers, Lara Turk and Andile Ndlovu will be returning to South Africa’s stages,” says Paeper.

“The character of Spartacus, the captive King of Thrace, is a demanding role and requires strong dancers. I have cast Brooklyn Mack, Andile Ndlovu and Casey Swales in the role of Spartacus, whilst Lara Turk is Phrygia (Spartacus’s wife),” said Paeper.

The role of Phrygia will also be performed by Elzanne Crause, Michaela Griffin and Simone Botha and Aegina (the concubine to Crassus) by Kristin Wilson and Elzanne Crause.

The role of Crassus will be performed by Casey Swales and Willem Houck (previously from the Hong Kong Ballet). Crassus is a Roman Consul and one of the most intelligent minds that Spartacus and the Rebel army ever has to face.

The re-choreographed ballet featuring the music of Khachaturian and accompanied by a full orchestra, boasts a cast of 35 professional dancers, excluding international guest artists, and is complemented by 60 senior student dancers who were selected after nationwide auditions.

The South African National Dance Trust’s (SANDT) successful fundraising applications to the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, the National Arts Council, The Arts and Culture Trust and a variety of private funders and trusts have all made this production possible.

The opening night on Thursday, 4 June is a red carpet, gala night and VIP tickets cost R495.00 (which includes sparkling wine on arrival, a production programme and cocktail event after the performance with special guests and the cast).

The Joburg Theatre season of 12 performances runs from 4 to 14 June. Ticket prices range from R150 to R395 and can be booked online or by telephone with the Joburg Theatre Box Office. All performances are accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of maestro Paul Hoskins (musical director of Rambert Dance, London).

The opening night on Saturday, 27 June at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town is a red carpet, gala night and VIP tickets cost R475 (which includes sparkling wine on arrival, production programme and cocktail event after the performance with special guests and the cast).

All performances are accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of maestro Paul Hoskins. Cape Town bookings can be done via Computicket for the Artscape season of 12 performances from Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 12 July. Ticket prices range R150 to R375.