Opera UCT Reimagines Die Fledermaus for a New Generation

Gavin Rajah’s contemporary designs and bold staging bring Cape Town’s spirit to Strauss’s operetta

Opera UCT is set to reawaken Johann Strauss’s timeless operetta, Die Fledermaus, in a dazzling new production that merges tradition with modern flair. Running from 23 to 26 October 2025 at the Baxter Theatre, the show promises to be more than just opera it will be a sensory event steeped in the vibrancy of contemporary Cape Town.

Fashion Meets Opera

At the heart of this reinvention is Gavin Rajah, the award-winning fashion designer renowned for his couture creations. Rajah trades the powdered wigs and rigid finery of Strauss’s Vienna for a sleek, urban aesthetic inspired by Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. His vision is one of clean lines, playful cut-outs, and layered fabrics that reflect both sophistication and freedom. This collaboration with set designer Allegra Bernacchioni creates a seamless fusion of music, fashion, and visual storytelling.

A Visual Feast of Colour

Rajah’s costume designs promise to envelop audiences in the hues of the Mother City. Think shimmering Atlantic blues, radiant sundown corals, lush fynbos greens, and metallic sands, all offset with bold blacks for the drama of evening scenes. The result is a visual tapestry that mirrors the lively pulse of Cape Town while capturing the essence of Strauss’s operetta—a story filled with mischief, romance, and midnight revelry.

Sustainability in the Spotlight

Beyond aesthetics, Rajah has made sustainability central to his designs. By using eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled satins, mesh, organza, and technical cottons, he bridges couture with conscience. He describes his approach as “upcycled couture,” featuring slashed seams and innovative textures that could easily transition from stage to after-party. This balance of style and sustainability makes Die Fledermaus not only contemporary but also socially relevant.

Characters Reimagined

The principal characters receive bold transformations that blend classical opera archetypes with a modern edge. Rosalinde dazzles in satin and tulle with opera gloves that nod to timeless glamour while hinting at new sophistication. Eisenstein’s tuxedo is cropped and raw-edged, cinched with a ripstop cummerbund for urban sharpness. Adele shimmers in sequins as she evolves from maid to muse, while Dr. Falke’s iconic cape takes on a striking new form. Prince Orlofsky, often played with playful ambiguity, embodies a redefined elegance that transcends gender norms, making the role more resonant than ever.

More Than Just Opera

This production blurs the lines between opera, fashion, and nightlife. The stage design is immersive, inviting audiences into a masquerade-like experience where the performance spills beyond the proscenium. As much a fashion show and vibrant soirée as it is an operatic masterpiece, Die Fledermaus will encourage attendees to dress up and participate, ensuring that the energy of the night is shared both on and off the stage.

An Inclusive Cultural Event

Opera often carries the perception of exclusivity, but Opera UCT is determined to change that. With tickets ranging from R100 to R500 and free entry for under-18s (with booking), the production welcomes both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers. By blending high fashion, contemporary music culture, and accessible ticketing, this Die Fledermaus makes opera an art form for everyone.

Supported by Creative Partnerships

The production is bolstered by collaborations that enhance its contemporary appeal. Supported by Pick n Pay Clothing’s Futurewear Programme and featuring makeup and hair by Raine Tauber from Nars Cosmetics, the show extends its artistry into every detail. These partnerships reflect a broader cultural moment where opera evolves beyond the stage into a holistic celebration of creativity, identity, and community.

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

A Night to Remember

Opera UCT’s bold reinterpretation of Die Fledermaus is more than a performance it is an invitation to witness the reinvention of a classic for today’s world. With fashion, sustainability, inclusivity, and music woven together, the production embodies Cape Town’s cultural energy while honouring Strauss’s beloved masterpiece. From 23 to 26 October at the Baxter Theatre, audiences can expect a night where opera speaks the language of its time, and art becomes an unforgettable celebration of life.

About The Author