Hidden Giants returns to Joburg Theatre with a spectacular new experience
- Wits University
A unique event that blends cutting-edge science, breathtaking visuals, and live music to explore one of the greatest mysteries of our universe: black holes
Prepare for a mind-expanding journey through space, sound, and storytelling as The Universe on Stage brings a reimagined production of their acclaimed show, Hidden Giants, back to the Joburg Theatre.
Led by Wits alumni, physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia and composer Yasheen Modi (Yash), Hidden Giants invites audiences to step into the unknown, experiencing the cosmos through a fusion of immersive soundscapes, cinematic visuals, and expert storytelling.
Hidden Giants is on at the Mandela Theatre at Joburg Theatre, Braam, for two nights only, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th May at 19:30.
There’s a 10% discount for Wits alumni on 8 May. Use the code WITSALUMNI. Tickets at Webtickets.
At the heart of the show is the astonishing journey of how humanity captured the first-ever image of a black hole—an unseeable cosmic giant. Pontiggia, an expert in making complex scientific ideas accessible and thrilling, will guide audiences through this remarkable feat.
“This isn’t just a show; it’s an immersive journey through our universe and our place in it—a truly novel kind of live entertainment,” says Pontiggia. “It’s for people of any age and any background. Our goal is to ignite curiosity and wonder while inspiring us to see the world with fresh eyes.”
Accompanying this odyssey is an original musical score by award-winning composer and pianist Yash, whose evocative compositions transform scientific concepts into deeply moving experiences.
“Science becomes poetry when experienced through music, sound, and vision,” adds Pontiggia. “This season of Hidden Giants pushes these boundaries further than ever.”
This year’s production introduces three groundbreaking elements, making Hidden Giants more immersive than ever before:
- Immersive sound design by The Audioroom: Using state-of-the-art audio technology, The Audioroom’s soundscapes bring the forces of deep space to life, allowing audiences to feel the gravitational pull of black holes.
- Live violin performance by Siobhan Lloyd-Jones: Acclaimed violinist Siobhan Lloyd-Jones joins the production, adding emotional depth with live music that seamlessly weaves into the show’s narrative.
- Updated cinematic visuals by Darius Botha – Visual storytelling takes centre-stage with refreshed, high-impact visuals by renowned visual artist Darius Botha, guiding audiences deeper into space with mesmerising imagery.
Hidden Giants is perfect for:
- Curious minds seeking extraordinary entertainment
- Kids 10 years and older
- Date night adventurers wanting something beyond dinner and movies
- Anyone fascinated by big questions about our universe
- Music lovers appreciating the emotional power of live performance
- Those who enjoy intellectual stimulation with dramatic presentation
- Science enthusiasts looking for accessible cosmic exploration.