Aida
Princess Aida has been kidnapped: a valuable prize in a war between Egypt and Ethiopia. The ambitious soldier Radamès wrestles with his feelings for her. As they draw closer together, each must make a painful choice between their loyalty to home, and their love for each other.
With its huge cast, thrilling score, and sweeping tale of love and heroics in ancient Egypt, Verdi’s Aida has long been a fixture on the stages of every major opera house in the world. Streamed to mark 2026 World Opera Day on 25 October, Cape Town Opera’s production presents Aida with an all-African cast in a bold, African-futurist reimagining of this iconic opera. Directed by Magdalene Minnaar, this production uses extensive video and animation alongside vibrant costumes, creating a futuristic world vividly brought to life with the help of renowned South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma. The design is minimalistic and monumental, combining geometric forms with futuristic lighting to evoke grandeur and mystery. The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Kamal Khan.
CAST
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Aida
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Nobulumko Mngxekeza
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Amneris
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Nonhlanhla Yende
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Radamès
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Lukhanyo Moyake
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Amonasro
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Conroy Scott
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Ramfis
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Lonwabo Mose
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The King
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Garth Delport
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A messenger
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Van Wyk Venter
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High Priestess
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Khayakazi Madlala
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Dancers
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Jazzart Dance Theatre
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Orchestra
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Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
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Chorus
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Cape Town Opera Vocal Ensemble
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Music
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Giuseppe Verdi
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Text
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Antonio Ghislanzoni
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Conductor
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Kamal Khan
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Director
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Magdalene Minnaar
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Choreography
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Gregory Maqoma
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Sets
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Louis Minnaar
Nadine Minnaar
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Costumes
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Roman Handt
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Lights
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Oliver Hauser
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Projection Design & Animation
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Trickery (Louis Minnaar & Werner Burger)
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Chorus master
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Antoinette Huyssen
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VIDEOS
STORY
Act I
In an imagined Egypt, a thousand years from now, in the royal palace of Memphis. The Egyptian high priest Ramfis announces that war is looming with Ethiopia. Radamès, an Egyptian warrior, dreams of military glory and hopes to be chosen as commander. More secretly, he dreams of marrying Aida, the Ethiopian slave who serves Princess Amneris. Aida returns his love — but she is also the daughter of the Ethiopian king, Amonasro, a secret known to no one. Amneris, who harbours feelings for Radamès, suspects Aida’s love and becomes jealous. News arrives that the Ethiopian army is advancing, and Radamès is chosen by the goddess Isis to lead the Egyptian forces. As he prepares for battle, Aida is torn between praying for Radamès’ victory and her loyalty towards Ethiopia.
Act II
In Amneris’ chamber. Amneris’ handmaidens help her to get ready for the return of Radames and his troops after his victory over Ethiopia. After some entertainment by a group of Egyptian dancers, Amneris tries to expose Aida’s true feelings by pretending Radamès has died. When Aida reacts with horror, it confirms Amneris’ suspicions and she warns Aida to forget about him.
Outside the palace. A grand triumphal procession celebrates Egypt’s victory. Radamès returns in glory, leading Ethiopian prisoners — including Aida’s father, Amonasro, who conceals his identity. The Pharaoh offers him the hand of his daughter, Amneris, and grants him any reward of his choice. He chooses freedom for the prisoners, though the priests insist on keeping Amonasro. Aida is devastated.
Act III
On the banks of the Nile at night. Amneris arrives to pray with Ramfis in the temple before the wedding. Aida anxiously awaits Radamès, but Amonasro appears and demands her help in discovering Egypt’s plans for battle. Aida initially resists but finally agrees out of duty to her father and country.
Aida persuades Radamès to flee to Ethiopia. In a moment of vulnerability, he reveals the route the Egyptian army will take to ambush the Ethiopians. Amonasro emerges and identifies himself as the Ethiopian king. Realising he has betrayed his country, Radamès refuses to escape and surrenders himself to Ramfis.
Act IV
Amneris struggles with her love for Radamès and her desire to save him. He is brought to trial by the priests, where he refuses to defend himself or reveal Aida’s role. They sentence him to death and Amneris, heartbroken, pleads for his life, but he remains resolute. In the final scene, Radamès is sealed inside a tomb — only to find Aida has hidden there to die alongside him. As they await their fate, they sing of eternal love and peace in the afterlife, while Amneris prays for their souls.
GALLERY
