Aida

Princess Aida has been kidnapped: a valuable prize in a war between Egypt and Ethiopia. The ambitious soldier Radames 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.