World premiere for enchanting new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ballet

Joburg Ballet invites audiences to experience the world premiere of a captivating full-length ballet, inspired by the beloved tale of Charlie and his whimsical adventures in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

Revil Yon and Monike Cristina.

Joburg Ballet is calling on Alex residents and surrounding areas to come and experience the world premiere of its latest production, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory set to enchant audiences at the Joburg Theatre in October.

Read more: Should your little girl do ballet?

Joburg Ballet has partnered with dancers from the WGRUV Dance Company, the Joburg Ballet Academy, and the Joburg Ballet School for this enchanting season.

The opening night of the 10-performance season will take place on October 4 and run until October 10.

Choreographed by the imaginative Mario Gaglione, the ballet will feature an original score composed by the talented Mark Cheyne.

With Andrew Botha serving as the design consultant, this creative collaboration marks the first classically based full-length ballet ever created for Joburg Ballet.

Gaglione expressed his excitement for the project. “Creating and choreographing this ballet feels like finding my golden ticket, a rare chance to share something magical! I hope it becomes a golden moment for every child and grown-up in the audience, filling them with joy and wonder they’ll never forget.”

In his search for music for the ballet, Gaglione turned to award-winning composer and musical director Mark Cheyne to create an original score that will be performed live by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Also read: From a sissy boy to a top ballet dancer

“The story is iconic and universally loved by so many people,” Cheyne said. “Since this is a direct adaption of the famous book by Roald Dahl, all the music is entirely original, orchestrated in the style of a traditional ballet.

“Fantasy is an integral part of traditional ballet, and this is a ‘fantastical’ story, with larger-than-life characters and a plot full of marvels, mystery, magic, and, of course, copious amounts of chocolate.”

Audiences can look forward to outstanding performances in the leading role of Willy Wonka, featuring dancers such as Revil Yon, Monike Cristina, Ruan Galdino, Tammy Higgins, Ivan Domiciano, Ryoko Yagyu, and Bruno Miranda, alongside Charlie, portrayed by Jayden Samuels, a former student of the Joburg Ballet School, currently at the National School of the Arts.

Additionally, an open day will be held at the Joburg Ballet Studios at the Joburg Theatre on Saturday 21 September from 10h00 to 13h00, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and rehearsal process.

Details: Webtickets.co.za or futhi@joburgballet.com