In London it is such a tradition to go to the ballet at Christmas, that last year I was so desperate to see the Nutcracker on Ice that I drove to Joburg and back in twenty four hours just to watch it. This year there is no need. Coppelia, the ballet tellling ETA Hoffmann’s charming story has come to Durban.
The highly acclaimed Cape Town City Ballet doesn’t visit Durban often, so this is a real treat, and Laura Bosenberg and Thomas Thorne, South Africa’s top balletic duo take the lead roles, with former danseur noble, Johnny Bovang taking on Doctor Coppelius.
The tale begins with the mysterious inventor, Doctor Coppelius, making a life size doll which is so realistic that Franz, the local swan, falls in love with it. Not only that, but he casts aside his beloved Swanhilde. I won’t spoil the story for you, but it is a delight from beginning to end.
This is lighthearted ballet at its best, and I cannot think of anything more lovely than to get dressed up, put all your little girls in their best party dresses, and go down and watch the beautiful spectacle that is the ballet.
Tickets are available from Computicket, and the show runs from 21st November to 25th November at the Playhouse.