The Maria Callas – Prima Donna ballet production is in Durban this week.
Image: SUPPLIED
An award-winning ballet inspired by the life of legendary opera icon Maria Callas is heading to Durban this weekend, bringing together acclaimed dancers, operatic classics and rare archival elements in a production that has already earned widespread praise in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Created by Marco Gaglione, a senior soloist and associate choreographer with Joburg Ballet, Maria Callas – Prima Donna will be staged at The Milkwood Theatre at Danville Park Girls’ High School in Durban North.
The production, described as a passion project independently funded by Gaglione, premiered at the Lesedi Theatre at Joburg Theatre last year before returning for a Cape Town performance in January at the invitation of the UCT Summer School.
The ballet traces the dramatic life of Callas, regarded as one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in opera history, blending dance, music and rare interview footage to explore both her artistic brilliance and personal struggles.
Award-winning principal dancer Monike Cristina performs the lead role of Maria Callas. Cristina recently won the 2026 Naledi Award for Best Performance in a Dance, Physical Theatre or Ballet Production for her portrayal in the production.
She will be joined on stage by fellow Joburg Ballet dancers, including principal dancers Revil Yon and Ivan Domiciano, as well as soloists Chloé Blair and Gabriella Ghiaroni.
The production incorporates celebrated operatic works including Casta Diva, Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix, and excerpts from La Traviata and Carmen, while costumes sourced from rare vintage collections aim to recreate the glamour and intensity associated with Callas.
Venue: The Milkwood Theatre Dates: Saturday, 23 May at 18:30 | Sunday, 24 May at 14:00 and 17:00 Bookings: Webtickets Bookings
Tickets cost R250.
To stand a chance to win tickets to the show, SMS Ballet followed by your name to 33258. SMSes cost R1.50 each. Winners will be notified telephonically.
The competition closes on Thursday, 21 May 2026, at 12 noon. T’s & C’s apply.