Cape Town Opera, in partnership with Opera UCT, has officially revealed the second edition of "SHORTS: A Festival of Short Operas."

The festival will showcase four one-act operas, alongside a Q&A session, a workshop performance of a new opera, and screenings of opera films. Allegra Bernacchioni is responsible for the production design, while Kirsti Cumming handles the video design and Luke Ellenbogen takes care of the lighting. The events will be hosted at the Wave Theatre.

Victoria Stevens will direct Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, with baritone William Berger in the title role and Siphamandla Moyake playing Judith. Musical direction will be led by Jan Hugo, who will also accompany on the piano.

Performance Dates: March 7, 9, 15, & 16, 2025.

Next is Atlas of Remote Islands by Alan Olejniczak, featuring Cape Town Opera’s Judith Neilson Young Artists and Marcelle Steinmetz. The musical director is Jan Hugo, with Nathan Lewis on piano. The production is directed by Jackï Job.

Performance Dates: March 8, 11, & 14, 2025.

Triptych, Women at War stars Alida Scheepers, and is directed by Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer, with José Dias as musical director and pianist.

Performance Dates: March 8, 9, & 12, 2025.

Opera UCT will present a double bill, featuring Robert Schumann’s Frauenliebe und Leben and Leoš Janáček’s The Diary of One Who Vanished. Directed by Christine Crouse, with musical direction by Jeremy Silver, Frauenliebe und Leben will feature Molly Dzangare, and The Diary of One Who Vanished will star Vuyisa Xipu and Nica Reinke.

Performance Dates: March 8, 11, & 16, 2025.

The festival promises a rich and diverse exploration of both classic and contemporary works, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of operatic styles and interpretations. With a mix of established and emerging talents, SHORTS: A Festival of Short Operas aims to foster creativity and collaboration within the opera community, showcasing both local and international perspectives.

In addition to the performances, attendees will have the chance to engage more deeply with the art form through interactive discussions, behind-the-scenes insights, and the chance to witness the development of new operatic works. Whether you're an opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this festival is set to provide an unforgettable experience.

Tickets for the various performances are expected to sell quickly, so opera lovers are encouraged to secure their seats in advance. The festival offers an exciting opportunity for both seasoned opera-goers and those looking to discover the magic of this timeless art form.