MEDIA ADVISORY / PREVIEW NOTICE
Opera UCT’s Die Fledermaus – Final Dress Rehearsal (FDR) Photocall & Videocall
When: Tuesday, 21 October | 14:00–16:30 (media check-in from 13:45)
Where: Baxter Theatre Centre, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Access: Photo & video capture during designated moments (see briefs below).
RSVP (essential): Name, Mobile, Email please.
Why this is newsworthy:
Champagne, masks and mayhem – as you’ve never seen it. Opera UCT detonates Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus in a bold, Cape Town set with fashion-forward costume design and striking, contemporary sets. Act II’s notorious party becomes a smouldering jazz nightclub under city lights; the look is street-to-salon glamour with couture detail, modern silhouettes, and a wink to sustainable styling.
- A visual feast for photographers & video crews (movement, masks, metallics, neon & noir).
- Songs in German with English dialogue and surtitles – accessible, witty, fast on its feet.
- Costume direction draws on a contemporary concept developed with Cape Town couture influence (inspired by designer Gavin Rajah).
What you’ll get:
- High-impact visuals: masked entrances, nightclub choreography, dramatic tableaus.
- Sound bites: short on-camera interviews with creative leads and principals (post-photocall).
- B-roll: orchestral tuning, backstage moments, quick-change energy, curtain calls.
Suggested angles & headlines
- “From ballroom to bassline: Die Fledermaus finds its groove in a Cape Town jazz club.”
- “Street to salon: Opera UCT’s couture-charged Fledermaus pops the cork at the Baxter.”
- “Champagne, masks, and a midnight piano: Strauss re-dressed for today.”
PHOTO CALL — SHOOT LIST (GUIDE):
Call time (media): 13:30 (check-in, house rules) • In seats: 13:45 • Downbeat: 14:00
House rules (photography):
- No flash. Silent shutters preferred.
- Shoot from aisles, pre-booked middle seats of theatre (please inform us soonest) and rear-orchestra; stage access only when guided by PR.
- Respect surtitles sightlines.
VIDEO CALL – B-ROLL & SOUND BITES
House rules (video):
- No full numbers; capture montage-style b-roll (up to 3 × 60–90s sequences).
- Keep cameras on silent.
- Ambient audio OK; request clean audio from desk for standups (subject to house). Please inform us in advance.
Priority b-roll:
- Act II nightclub crowd scenes (wide, medium, detail).
- Masked close-ups; bar neon; hands, fabrics, shoes.
- Orchestra tuning / MD cues; quick-change corridor (with permission).
- Curtain call.
Interview availability (post-photocall, foyer/backdrop):
- Christine Crouse, Director / Creative Lead (concept, Cape Town setting, pacing).
- Allegra Bernacchioni/ Set Design (Bold, modern, fresh design)
- Josh Lindberg, Lighting (bold scenic language; nightclub world).
- Jeremy Silver, Conductor of CPO and director of Opera UCT
- Principal cast (German arias + English dialogue, audience accessibility).
Please pre-book two interviews; standups limited to 2–3 minutes each.
Practical:
- Parking/Arrival: Baxter Theatre parking; media desk at main foyer.
- Accreditation: RSVP essential; credentials issued at check-in.
- Asset pack: Logo lockups, synopsis, approved stills available on request post-FDR.
- Embargo guidance: Previews from FDR welcome; full reviews publish from opening night (confirm exact date with PR).
RSVP / Queries:
Jeni Fletcher; 082 825 5718, jeni@networxpr.co.za or Kaz Henderson; 082 339 1199 or kaz@networxpr.co.za
