Cape Town City Ballet to bring ‘Dracula’ to Artscape this autumn

Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB) is set to thrill audiences with a bold and atmospheric production of Dracula, choreographed and directed by acclaimed British dance-maker David Nixon.

The full-length ballet will be staged at Artscape Theatre Centre from Friday, 13 March to Sunday, March 29.

Based on Bram Stoker’s classic 1897 Gothic novel, Dracula tells the chilling tale of the infamous Count Dracula and his journey from Transylvania to Victorian England, where he unleashes terror, intrigue, and supernatural seduction.

The ballet follows young solicitor Jonathan Harker as he becomes entangled in Dracula’s dark world, leading to a dramatic struggle between good and evil.

Nixon’s adaptation, first created in 1999, has become one of his most celebrated narrative ballets. Renowned for its cinematic atmosphere, striking visual design, and physically demanding choreography, the work has earned international acclaim over the years.

This Cape Town production has been created specifically for CTCB, with Nixon also responsible for the set, stage and costume design to ensure a unified artistic vision.

He will be joined by respected South African lighting designer Faheem Bardien.

The ballet is set to a powerful and evocative score featuring music by Alfred Schnittke, Arvo Pärt, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Michael Daugherty.

The dramatic orchestration enhances the dark Gothic tone, heightening moments of suspense, romance, and confrontation.

The British Theatre Guide previously described Nixon’s choreography as “exquisite”, praising its ability to capture emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Nixon, who served as interim Artistic Director of Cape Town City Ballet in 2023, said he was delighted to return to the company.

“My time in Cape Town was short, but I fell in love with the dancers and the company. I’m excited to be back working with them on this production,” he said.

Dracula received renewed international attention following Northern Ballet’s 2019 revival, which was screened in cinemas across Europe and later broadcast on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer. According to CTCB artistic manager Tracy Li, the production offers dancers a rare opportunity to combine raw physicality with rich storytelling.

Tickets range from R180 to R450 and are available through Webtickets and the Artscape box office on 021 421 7695. The production carries a PG12 rating.

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