She’s bold, she’s clever and she’s coming to Cape Town. The Cunning Little Vixen, Cape Town Opera’s (CTO) latest family-friendly production, promises a thrilling woodland adventure packed with stunning costumes, physical theatre and unforgettable characters when it opens at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone next month.
Performances will take place from Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 July at 11:00, with two performances daily on 25 and 26 July at 11:00 and 14:00.
A family-friendly introduction to opera
Aimed at families, school learners and first-time operagoers, this quirky and fun production blends engaging storytelling, physical theatre, striking animal costumes and imaginative visuals to offer an accessible and memorable introduction to opera.
The English adaptation by CTO’s recently appointed Librettist in Residence, Alan Olejniczak, brings fresh clarity to this much-loved tale, while Jan Hugo serves as musical director.
The Cunning Little Vixen marks the operatic directorial debut of Fiona du Plooy, whose work as movement director has contributed to acclaimed productions like Tosca, Suor Angelica and Le nozze di Figaro.
The award-winning creative team includes Tara Notcutt (Associate Director), Maritha Visagie (costume design), Clanelle Burger (masks and make-up), Kieran McGregor (set and lighting design), and Cleo Notcutt-Williams (choreography).
A woodland adventure comes to life
Audiences can also look forward to performances by CTO House Soloists Nonhlanhla Yende and Conroy Scott, who recently starred in Cape Town Opera’s acclaimed Carmen, as the Forester and the Forester’s Wife.
Joining them are members of the Cape Town Opera Children’s Chorus as dragonflies, fox cubs, crickets, hedgehogs and frogs, bringing additional colour and delight to this woodland adventure.
At its heart, The Cunning Little Vixen follows a spirited young fox who is determined to live freely in the forest.
Along her journey, she encounters an array of animals and humans, learning about friendship, courage, love and the wonders of nature.
Filled with humour, warmth and adventure, the story celebrates the idea that kindness and bravery can be just as powerful as craftiness.
With memorable characters and universal themes, this is a theatrically thrilling experience for children and adults alike, serving as a welcoming gateway to opera for a new generation of theatregoers.
Tickets cost R80 per person and are available through Webtickets.
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