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My Cape Town
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 Thanks to a lift with a mind of its own I’d managed to get a bit lost in the tangled maze of corridors behind the Opera House. It was fun to imagine them on an ordinary working day, filled with a buzz of scales and arpeggios, toe tapping and Kids from Fame-like shenanigans, love trysts and leg warmers. I stopped short of doing a little samba, á la Patrick Swayze, down the length of the deserted hallway... but it was tempting.
I’ve always loved taking a glimpse behind scenes. Whether it’s the making of King Kong, or just Elizabeth Taylor without any make-up on, it fascinates me how the raw ingredients come together to create the magic of the whole.
So I was inevitably drawn to the promise of “Unwrapping Opera”, when the Artscape Opera House recently flung open all its doors and invited the common public to have a good rummage.
I rounded a corner of the corridor and stumbled upon Michael Williams, Cape Town Opera’s dynamic General Manager holding an interactive theatre workshop for visitors. A group of about 40 people ranging from children to grannies were attacking each other in song and choreographed street warfare. Some of the tattooed teenagers taking part looked as though they may have had some real life experience of gansterism, but their shining-faced enthusiasm was matched wholeheartedly by those who looked like they might be librarians in their normal lives. Filled with a sudden rush of British reserve, I smiled brightly and edged out of the room before I was whisked into the mêlée.
In the Chandelier Foyer members of the Cape Town City Ballet were giving a short preview of their upcoming production of Swan Lake. Behind other doors, choral tuition was taking place. I dropped in at an orchestral rehearsal for Madama Butterfly, then caught the end of a talk on set design before craning my neck over the throngs taking in an abridged version of the next opera to be staged, Elixir of Love. This was followed by a demonstration of stage fighting techniques, a chance to ‘Meet the Studio’, an explanation of operatic languages... and best of all, a chance to try on some real live hoity toity opera costumes. What a blast! I feel thoroughly introduced. Now I must just get round to seeing some of the productions. In the meantime, where are those legwarmers?
Daisy
Personal behind-the-scenes tours can be arranged at the Opera, the Aquarium, select wine-farms and various jewellers in Cape Town.
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Upcoming Events
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ART EXHIBITION: TRANSCENDENCE
to 1 July
An exhibition of diverse artistic works created, curated and presented by students.
THEATRE: THE MYSTERIES
to 5 July
A new take on the original folk plays of medieval Europe, performed through a vibrant spectacle of African song, dance and music.
VODACOM FUNNY FESTIVAL
to 19 July
An annual festival of international stand-up comedy showcasing, amongst others, Cape Town favourites Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz as well as US star John Lenahan and local heavyweight Trevor Noah.
MUSIC: FRESHLYGROUND
1 July
The dynamic and hugely successful Afro-Fusion band perform, supported by DJ Toby2shoes.
CABARET: 3 TONS OF FUN
1 July - 1 August
Three 'traditionally built' songstresses perform works by the likes of Tina Turner, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, Christina Aguilera, Mango Groove, Miriam Makeba and Judith Sephuma.
DANCE: THE STADIUM
2 - 4 July
An engaging dance production with a live DJ, video projections and more.
GOURMENT DINNER AND WINE TASTING
3 July
An opportunity to sample a selection of Klein Constantia Wines followed by a four course gourmet dinner paired with wine.
PICK 'N' PAY KNYSNA OYSTER FESTIVAL
4 - 12 July
One of the most popular annual events in the Western Cape, this 9 day celebration of sport, food, wine and leisure activities includes a Wine, Whisky and Jazz Festival.
THEATRE: ALAN COMMITTIE - STRESSED FOR SUCCESS
8 July - 1 August
One of SA's top comedians explores the quirky issues that create stress in our lives.
THEATRE: I AM MY OWN WIFE
9 July - 1 August
The Pulitzer Prize winning one-hander about the life of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite caught up in the great European dramas of the 20th century.
STELLENBOSCH INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL SYMPHONY CONCERT
10 July
Conducted by Alexander Kalajdzic, cellist Thomas Carroll performs works by Dvorák and Mussorgsky.
FOOD & WINE PAIRING WEEKEND
10 July - 12 July
A chance to tantalize the taste buds while exploring how and why which wine varietals are the best partner for particular dishes. The weekend includes a 4 course wine pairing dinner and a cellar tour with wine tasting, oysters and sushi.
RUGBY: VODACOM WESTERN PROVINCE v SHARKS
11 July
Absa Currie Cup match. The local boys take on the Natal Sharks.
FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE FESTIVAL
11 - 12 July
The town’s annual celebration of its centuries-old French Huguenot heritage with a feast of food, wine, activities and entertainment.
STELLENBOSCH INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL SYMPHONY CONCERT
12 July
Conducted by Alexander Kalajdzic, soloist Abel Pereira performs works by Brahms, Strauss and Mussorgsky.
IMPERIAL RUSSIAN BALLET
15 July - 19 July
One of the most successful and well known ballet companies in Moscow performs.
MUSIC: ZEBRA AND GIRAFFE
18 July
The 2009 SA Music Award winning alternative electronic rock band performs.
KALK BAY FRESH ETC MARKET
19 July
A market providing visitors with fresh produce and a great view of the bay.
MUSIC: WARMTH IN WINTER II
22 July
Three Cape Town sopranos, Beverley Chiat, Liesl Hartje and Violina Anguelov perform a variety of operatic music accompanied by Victor Tichart on the piano.
RUGBY: VODACOM WESTERN PROVINCE v FREE STATE CHEETAHS
24 July
Absa Currie Cup match. The local boys take on the Free State Cheetahs.
BREEDEKLOOF SOETES AND SOUP
24 July - 25 July
Visitors are welcomed with a cup of hearty soup at the wineries, while other activities include art exhibitions, red-wine barrel tasting, wine blending, cellar tours, cheese and olive tastings, live music and more.
CAPE TOWN CONCERT SERIES: BRYAN WALLICK
25 July
The renowned American pianist performs material from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and others.
KIRSTENBOSCH BREAKFAST CONCERT SERIES
26 July
Guitarist James Grace presents a programme of works by Spanish and Latin-American composers, accompanied by distinguished flautist Bridget Rennie-Salonen.
URBAN VOICES POETRY FESTIVAL
26 July
A star studded line-up of internationally acclaimed poets from the USA and South Africa including acclaimed Slam poet champions Patricia Smith and Marc Bamuthi from the USA.
MUSIC AWARDS FINAL
28 July
The finalists of the Pick‘n'Pay and Fine Music Radio 101.3 competition battle it out to win the classical and jazz titles.
CAROLINE'S RED WINE REVIEW
29 July
An annual line-up of 60 of South Africa's best-performing red wine producers.
SALT RESTAURANT WINE & GOURMET EVENING
30 July
Kleine Zalze Wine Estate and winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen host a relaxed evening at this restaurant renowned particularly for its enviable ocean views. A four course menu is on offer with four matching wines and a chance to win a case of wine from Kleine Zalze.
RUGBY: VODACOM WESTERN PROVINCE v PLATINUM LEOPARDS
31 July
Absa Currie Cup Match. The local boys take on the North West province team.
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