Dream for another 75 years

The plot is written in a neo-classical ballet style loosely following that of William Shakespeare's much-loved A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This is the first full-length commission for the school by award-winning choreographer Lindy Raizenberg. “Our story is set in The Company's Garden in Cape Town with a range of fun characters that emerge from the hustle and bustle of city life. A mysterious stranger, Billy Shakes, and a group of rowdy matriculants and their teachers form the background to this entertaining and offbeat scenario,” she said.

Jack Puck is a mischievous newspaper vendor, Jannie Bottom is the head gardener and young couples Lysander Smit, Hermia Hawkins, Demetrius du Plessis and Helena Hernandes all work in the same department at a local university. Professor George Oberon and his fiancée, Titania du Preez, have come to a turning point in their long-standing relationship and a disagreement over the sudden appearance of an ex-boyfriend serves as the catalyst for a series of amusing and muddled events, culminating in a lighthearted celebration at the Nellie, a nearby upmarket hotel.

UCT School of Dance director Gerard Samuel added: “Lindy's blurring of the worlds of fairies and mortals is highly appropriate for our students, but aren't we all fascinated by the other side of love? Set to the well-loved music of Mendelssohn, our comic production is the perfect choice for the school's 75th anniversary, as David Poole's Dream was first staged at the opening of the Baxter Theatre.”

Public performances are 7.30pm on Friday, 13 November and 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, 14 November. Tickets cost R55. Students and senior citizens pay R30 on presentation of a valid ID card.

Performances for schools are 11.30am on Thursday, 12 November and Friday, 13 November. Booking is essential through Sharon Friedman on +27 (0) 21 650 4601 or .