After successful runs in Johannesburg and more than 30 sold out shows, Hidden Giants – the extraordinary live show that fuses science, storytelling, and music – is finally coming to Cape Town. From 11–14 December 2025, audiences will be transported across galaxies in an immersive journey through space, sound, and human curiosity.
Created by physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia and composer-actuary Yasheen “Yash” Modi, Hidden Giants is a cinematic stage experience that explores one of the most profound mysteries of our cosmos – black holes – through breathtaking visuals, original live music, and storytelling that makes even the most complex science beautiful and accessible. Here’s everything you need to know.
Hidden Giants Tackles Both the Intellectual and the Emotional
Using the world’s first image of a black hole as its starting point, the show reveals just how extraordinary these cosmic giants are – and how human innovation made it possible to “see the unseeable.”
“This isn’t just a show; it’s a voyage into the universe and into ourselves,” says Dr Pontiggia. “We’ve designed it for everyone – from children and students to thinkers and dreamers. It’s entertainment that stirs curiosity, emotion, and wonder.”
Modi adds: “Our goal with Universe on Stage is to explore our understanding of the Universe, presenting it in a way that evokes both the intellectual and the emotional.”
The Cape Town edition of Hidden Giants mirrors the immersive creative elements that have had Gauteng audiences talking and returning to each new show, with sound that helps feel the gravitational pull of deep space, turning science into sensation. Cinematic visuals for high-impact projections guide the audience deeper into space with awe-inspiring imagery.
All About the Universe on Stage
Founded by physicist Dr Luca Pontiggia (PhD String Theory) and composer‐actuary/guitarist/pianist Yasheen “Yash” Modi, Universe on Stage is an independent creative studio that blends science, music, visuals and storytelling to make the wonders of the universe accessible, emotional and entertaining.
Their mission is “to explore our understanding of the Universe, presenting it in a way that evokes both the intellectual and the emotional.” The pair design live performances, tailor-made events for schools and corporates, and public shows that “display the wonders of the Universe in creative and captivating ways.
Luca and Yash have staged several other shows aside from Hidden Giants, which include: Black Hole Symphony partnering with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Celestial Bodies with the Joburg Ballet and Universe Unravelled, with plans to roll these shows out to Cape Town audiences and even beyond South Africa.
About The Composer
Yasheen Modi is an actuary, composer, and performer, currently the Head of Technical Marketing at Discovery. He started playing the piano at age 8 and quickly rose to prominence, winning the prestigious Sanlam National Music Competition at just 11 years old. He also excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude in actuarial science from Wits University.
Yasheen thrives at the intersection of logic and creativity. In his professional role, he bridges the worlds of finance and storytelling. As the pianist for Universe on Stage, he fuses the intellectual and the emotional with music.
Yasheen’s journey and work are a testament to the power of defying convention, creating a symphony of order and spontaneity.
About the Physicist
Dr Luca Pontiggia holds an undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering and a PhD in theoretical physics (string theory) from Wits. He now serves as a Senior Data Scientist and Head of Technical Communications at Discovery.
Raised by an engineer father and an artist mother, Luca grew up at the crossroads of logic and creativity. Inspired by visionaries like Da Vinci and Einstein, he developed a deep passion for both the science and the storytelling behind our universe.
This passion fuels his wide-ranging pursuits – from directing an award-winning short film and running a photography business to officiating weddings, dabbling in furniture design, and even becoming first runner-up in the 2024 Mr South Africa pageant. Through it all, Luca brings curiosity, discipline, and imagination together to connect with audiences in meaningful ways
How to Book Tickets to Hidden Giants
Cost: R130 – R540. Tickets available on Webtickets
When: 11 – 14 December 2025 | 11th and 12th: 7pm | 13th: 2pm and 7.30pm | 14th: 2pm
Where: The Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre, District Six, Cape Town
Website: universeonstage.com
WhatsApp: 083 725 1234
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Universe on Stage
Instagram: @theuniverseonstage
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