Opera Blocks brings music and play to 360+ children and parents at City libraries

01 April 2026

The City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department held eight successful performances across the City this past week. This was made possible by the partnership with Cape Town Opera.

Opera Blocks is a fun, interactive theatre experience incorporating vibrant colours, shapes, and classical music for children up to five years old and their parents and caregivers. Eight concerts were held at City libraries throughout the metropole, with the last one scheduled to take place today at Sea Point.

The concerts at Gugulethu, Bellville, Milnerton, Retreat and Sea Point Libraries attracted more than 360 attendees.

‘We had such a wonderful time this week presenting our new production, Opera Blocks Under the Sea, to both our regular little ones and many new babies and toddlers. It was a joy to see how they responded to the colourful sea creatures and how much they enjoyed the arias - moving, listening, and joining in with excitement. One of the highlights was seeing some of our young ones dressed up as mermaids and pirates, really becoming part of the story. At Cape Town Opera, we believe it’s important to introduce children to opera from a very young age. Through play, singing, dancing, and storytelling, we create a fun and welcoming space where children can experience music in a natural and joyful way. These early experiences help to build a love for opera and the arts that can grow with them over time,’ said Cape Town Opera’s Head of Education and Participation, Madré Loubser.

‘These concerts continue to grow in popularity, showing just how important it is to create opportunities for young children to experience the arts in their own communities. Through our partnership with Cape Town Opera, we are able to bring music, creativity and play into our public libraries in a way that is accessible and welcoming. There is so much to learn through the magic of play theatre and music. We hope that the next series of Opera Blocks will be even more popular and that parents will make use of the opportunity to have their children experience the wonderful world of play theatre,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Caption 1: Opera Blocks at Bellville library

Caption 2: Opera Blocks at Milnerton library

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office