Queensland Ballet’s bold new 2019 season
Above: company dancers warm up on stage. Photo: Deanne Scott
Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director, Li Cunxin launched the company’s 2019 season to a packed audience in the concert Hall at QPAC.
It’s an exciting program with Sir Kenneth McMillan’s classic Romeo and Juliet, which will be danced entirely by company dancers, plus a new work from Liam Scarlett, Dangerous Liaisons (right), which is based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ novel. This will also be taken on a regional tour.
Add to that new short works, contemporary dance, a children’s ballet and young talent on display and it looks good for a great year for Brisbane and regional ballet fans.
The program is:
Dangerous Liaisons: 22 March — 6 April, Playhouse, QPAC
Based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ time-honoured novel, Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Associate and world-renowned choreographer Liam Scarlett breathes life into this sultry tale in a world premiere production. It is set among the aristocratic elite of late 18th century France.
With a story that has captivated audiences around the world for more than 200 years, Dangerous Liaisons is a hedonistic tale of love, virtue and humanity, re-imagined into a dramatic new ballet for mature audiences.
Dangerous Liaisons contains adult themes and is not recommended for children.
A co-production between Queensland Ballet and Texas Ballet Theater.
The Masters Series: 17 May — 25 May, Playhouse, QPAC
A triple bill featuring masterpieces from ballet’s best.
Legendary choreographer George Balanchine’s iconic Serenade is a jewel of ballet repertoire. It has enthralled audiences for decades.
Jiří Kylián’s Soldier’s Mass explores the horrors of war through the eyes of young soldiers. Kylian’s choreography offers a powerful commentary on the devastation of war.
With New Work acclaimed choreographer Trey McIntyre investigates the depths of human nature and the qualities that bridge the gaps between us in a world premiere work.
Romeo & Juliet: 28 August — 7 September, Lyric Theatre, QPAC
After a sell-out season in 2014, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s rendition of Romeo & Juliet returns for another season.
MacMillan’s grand production brings the streets of Verona to life with elegant costumes, majestic sets and daring choreography that matches the dramatic heights of this classic love story. With special guest conductor Alondra de la Parra (Queensland Symphony Orchestra) taking the baton at select performances, this promises to be the unmissable ballet event of the year.
Bespoke: 8 November — 16 November, Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse
Queensland Ballet joins forces with leading creative talents including Lucy Guerin, Amy Hollingsworth and Loughlan Prior to produce a series of new contemporary works that re-imagine dance.
Bespoke creates a multi-sensory experience, bringing together a collaborative space for artists who share a vision to co-create, to disrupt the norm and to embrace the interlacing of technology and dance. The mesmerising outcome is art that creates wonder and inspiration in all of us.
The Nutcracker: 13 December — 21 December, Lyric Theatre, QPAC
The tradition continues with this holiday classic for the seventh year in a row.
At the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, little Clara finds herself embarking on the magical adventure of a lifetime when her gift, a Nutcracker, comes to life! Be whisked away with Clara, to the enchanting Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy watches over whimsical snowflakes and pirouetting lollies.
Synergy: 28 June — 6 July, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
Synergy showcases the future of Queensland Ballet Company, bringing together the rising stars and the Academy for a season of contemporary and neo-classical works. Dancers in the Pre-Professional and Jette Parker Young Artist Programs join with Company Artists to perform a season of new works from emerging choreographers.
In addition to attending the performance, aspiring young dancers can take part in exclusive Masterclasses with QB’s talented artistic and creative teams. Masterclass dates and registration will be released in 2019.
The Little Green Road to Fairyland; 11 July — 21 July, Playhouse, QPAC
Set in the Australian bush, The Little Green Road to Fairyland takes the audience on a charming journey with colourful sets and costumes. Inspired by the original 1922 tale by Annie R. Rentoul and Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, this production will tell a tale of love, hope, compassion and a touch of fairy magic.
Soprano songstress Katie Noonan joins the show for select performances, which has Paul Boyd’s choreography and Elena Kats-Chernin’s original score.
A co-production with Queensland Music Festival.
Queensland Ballet Academy Gala: 18 October — 19 October, Gardens Theatre, QUT
In celebration of the major expansion of the Academy, Queensland Ballet is to present the inaugural QB Academy Gala.
This will feature works by Sir Kenneth MacMillan and choreographer Liam Scarlett (QB’s Artistic Associate), in a program of classical pieces and contemporary works.
Bookings for season tickets: https://www.qtix.com.au/subscriptions/qb_2019/form/ or phone 136 246
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