Verdi's Aida bursts onto the big screen with Cape Town Opera's spectacular all-South African production

Cape Town Opera is proud to announce that the filmed version of its world-class production of Verdi’s Aida, staged earlier this year at Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, will be released exclusively at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas nationwide from 27 – 30 September. This marks the first time that a locally-produced opera is filmed for the big screen.

Cape Town Opera's spectacular all-South African production is set in a world of African futurism, and reimagines the classic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal combined with epic storytelling and cutting-edge design, video and animation.

Set against a backdrop of war, forbidden love and cultural conflict, this timeless opera follows Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian princess, and Radamès, an Egyptian military commander, as they navigate love amidst loyalty, betrayal and the clash between two civilizations. This innovative production redefines grand opera within an African context.

Lynne Wylie, chief marketing officer at Ster-Kinekor, said the cinema chain was excited to share this local production with opera lovers on the big screen. “Screening alternative content such as opera, theatre and ballet, resonates strongly with our audiences. This is a wonderful opportunity as we believe in the power of cinema to connect audiences with powerful stories, and we are sure our audiences are going to enjoy the experience.”

Under artistic director Magdalene Minnaar’s direction, Aida’s 153-year-old story is told in a unique, indigenous and thoughtful way. Using extensive video and animation alongside vibrant costumes, this futuristic world is vividly brought to life with the help of renowned South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma. By manipulating light, shadow and form, the set unfolds in layers, creating a dynamic space that evolves with the story. The design is both minimalistic and monumental, combining geometric forms with futuristic lighting to evoke grandeur and mystery. The aim for this unique interpretation is to feel unexpected yet deeply resonant, leaving the audience captivated by this new artistic interpretation.

Aida is a fusion of grand opera and African artistry. This production features a chorus of 56 singers and dancers, with U.S.-based conductor Kamal Khan leading the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and has been dubbed a cultural highlight for South Africa in 2025. Captured live on stage, this cinema release gives audiences around the country the chance to experience some of South Africa’s finest singers, dancers and musicians in a production that is bold, resonant and unforgettable.

The concert film will be screened on 27, 28 and 30 September at the following Ster-Kinekor sites: Eastgate, Cresta and Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg; Brooklyn in Tshwane; MooiRivier in Potchefstroom; Mimosa in Bloemfontein; Watercrest in Hillcrest, KZN; Baywest in Gqeberha; Garden Route in George; Somerset Mall in Somerset West; and Blue Route, V&A Waterfront, and Tygervalley in Cape Town

Watch the trailer here

Bookings for this exclusive concert film are now open on the new-look Ster-Kinekor website at www.sterkinekor.com or download the new SK App on your smartphone. For news and updates, go to Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres | and follow Ster-Kinekor on Twitter: @Ster-Kinekor. For all queries, call Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437). Loyalty cards do apply where applicable, including Ster-Kinekor’s half-price Tuesdays on all ticket prices.

#DoMoviesRight     #sterkinekor     #CapeTownOpera    #Aida    #ConcertFilm

ENDS

Issued by:                                                           aHead PR                                                      

On behalf of:                                                    Ster-Kinekor Theatres                                                                              

For media information:                                 Janet de Kretser                                                 

Tel:                                                                      083 973 3531

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About Ster-Kinekor Theatres

Ster-Kinekor Theatres is the largest movie exhibitor on the African continent. To most South Africans, the word ‘movies’ is synonymous with the name ‘Ster-Kinekor’. The company operates 33 commercial cinema complexes in South Africa that house 255 large-scale screens, with 33,951 seats and the largest 3D footprint featuring over 100 state-of-the-art 3D screens in South Africa (Commercial, 3D, IMAX, Kids Cinema, Cine Prestige, and DBox). It also operates four cinema complexes in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, with 23 screens and 3,014 seats.

As the industry leader, Ster-Kinekor has pioneered cinema concepts such as Cinema Nouveau, a dedicated art-house multiplex cinema, and the luxurious Cine Prestige theatres, the first ‘business class’ cinema experience in South Africa; and has headed the return of the IMAX® Experience, with eight IMAX® Theatres across the country. Ster-Kinekor has expanded its cinema innovation to launch the first Kids’ Cinema complete with slides and bean bag seating (currently six screens) as well as D-BOX which brings movie experiences to life with motion seats. Most recently, Ster-Kinekor introduced SKX-PERIENCE Powered by Jozi X at The Zone in Rosebank, an indoor adventure hub offering axe throwing, gel blaster, splatter room and escape rooms, adding a new dimension to the Ster-Kinekor entertainment experience.

As one of South Africa’s most loved brands, it is Ster-Kinekor’s ongoing mission to become synonymous with the unrivalled magic of the cinema experience, by providing ‘Great Moments at Their Greatest’. During 2013, the company embarked on a massive roll-out project to convert and equip every cinema with the very latest in digital projection and sound technology. The result of this upgrade is that every cinema now boasts state-of-the-art cinema technology that encompasses 2K and 4K digital projection and 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems.

The SK Club loyalty programme rewards members with redeemable points when they swipe their card when buying movie tickets or catering, as well as half-price tickets on Tuesdays. Combined with industry-leading loyalty programmes from Edgars Club and Discovery Vitality, these give Ster-Kinekor a strong consumer value proposition and competitive advantage. Ster-Kinekor has extended its loyalty offering to include the first subscription model in South Africa: SK Subscription Club, which offers members a limited or unlimited number of movies per month at a set cost whilst also enjoying the benefits of SK Club.

As the market leader, Ster-Kinekor aims to spearhead the advancement of cinema across both South Africa and the rest of Africa, to ensure that consumers continue to experience movies as they were made to be seen – on the big screen.

See more at: www.sterkinekor.com