Queensland Ballet Season 2018

For Queensland Ballet, 2018 will be a season of dreams: bringing dancers’ dreams to life, telling dreamy stories, continuing to reach for its dreams as a Company and making audiences’ dreams come true.

Artistic Director Li Cunxin said Queensland Ballet’s Season 2018 (QB18) will see the Company deliver performances that will exceed expectations, bringing new ballets and well-loved classics to the stage.

“We believe every ballet starts with a dream and our season in 2018 certainly begins with us fulfilling a dream to consistently create new works for our audiences,” Mr Li said.

“Our first production for the year will be a new production of La Bayadere by our own Greg Horsman. Greg has such a respect for the classics yet always manages to bring a freshness to his ballets.”

This lavish ballet, set in the exotic world of 19th century British India, is a tragic love story set around the Maharajah’s son Solor. With sets and costumes designed by the incredible Gary Harris, the story journeys through colonial India, glittering society balls, and opium-filled dreams.

“Audiences will be transported and transfixed by this ballet, caught up in a whirlwind of love, drama, dreamlike scenes and family politics.

“Greg’s productions of Coppelia and The Sleeping Beauty have become some of the most popular ballets in our repertoire and I know this production will join them as a favourite for many years to come.

“Following on from this lush classic will be one of the most fiery seasons we’ve ever brought to the stage as our double bill of Carmen and Firebird opens in May.

“We’re thrilled to be staging Carlos Acosta’s production of Carmen and Liam Scarlett’s Firebird for Brisbane audiences in this powerful double bill.” Often best known in its operatic form, Carmen is the passionate tale of Don José who is besotted with the sensual Carmen but his love turns to jealous rage when she gives her love to a dashing matador.

“This powerful ballet rides waves of passion to a stirring music score that highlights the raw and zealous characters.

“For the mythical tale of Firebird, we’re elated to welcome back our Artistic Associate Liam Scarlett who brings his recent production of this iconic ballet to Brisbane audiences for the first time.”

Set to Igor Stravinsky’s ground-breaking score which incorporates elements of folk music, this ballet tells the story of an old Russian legend in which the firebird represents a powerful good spirit whose feathers convey beauty and protection upon those who need it.

Prince Ivan calls on the magical powers of the firebird to help him defeat the evil immortal Kostcheï and of course true love prevails with the ballet culminating in the Prince marrying his love Tsarevna.

“Liam created this work for the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet and we’re so pleased to bring another of his masterpieces to Brisbane audiences.”

September will see the return of Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella after an absence of five years from the Brisbane stage.

“Everyone loves a fairytale ballet and none more so than the beloved Cinderella. This really is a ballet for all ages as everyone knows the story, has a connection to it, and everyone loves a happy ending”, Mr Li said.

“Ben Stevenson’s productions always bring a story to life so vividly and this Cinderella is no exception. The choreography is exquisite, the costumes and sets delightful and the characters consistently engaging. Audiences will love it.”

2017 saw the launch of the inaugural Bespoke season for Queensland Ballet which is best described as a creative intersection of art forms.

“We were so excited to bring our first Bespoke season to the stage in 2017 and were humbled by the wonderful response we received from both audiences and critics, so we’re already looking forward to the 2018 season with anticipation,” Mr Li said.

“Bespoke provides us with an opportunity to invite guest choreographers to not only create new works on our dancers but to also collaborate with other art forms to bring new dimensions to ballet.

“Next year’s season will feature new works by Company Artist Jack Lister, guest choreographer Gabrielle Nankivell and another artist yet to be announced as well as a collaboration with Expressions Dance Company.

“Hitting the Powerhouse stage in November alongside an exhibition of visual artists from film, photography and sculpture, this will be a season not be missed.”

Brisbane audiences have wholeheartedly embraced the Christmas tradition of Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker as part of their holiday celebrations and QB is so pleased to be staging this ballet once again in 2018.

“We’re thrilled that our audiences keep coming back to this Christmas classic and it warms our hearts every year as we see families over various generations come together through ballet,” Mr Li said.

“It almost feels like it’s not the holiday season until we open our season of The Nutcracker.”

Queensland Ballet has a long-standing commitment to touring its productions throughout Queensland and this year will see the Company extend that reach interstate with a tour to Melbourne in October.

“After the wonderful audience response to Ben Stevenson’s Swan Lake in 2017, we’re so pleased to be taking this production on the road throughout Queensland in June and July next year,” Mr Li said.

“Our traditional classics always do so well on tour and this Swan Lake is certainly ballet at its most heart-breaking and glorious. We’ll taking this classic to Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Maryborough and Cairns in 2018.

“October will see us take flight to Melbourne to share the stunning A Midsummer Night’s Dream by our Artistic Associate Liam Scarlett.
We can’t wait to perform this whimsical and cheeky tale for Melbourne audiences and feel that it’s the perfect ballet to take on tour.

“What a year we have before us. The 2018 program is a collection of ballets that we feel highlight the versatility and technical ability of our dancers. We’ve chosen ballets that will engage and enchant, that will keep audiences wanting more.

“I’m so proud that we have a Company that can move seamlessly from very traditional classics like Cinderella to innovative seasons such as Bespoke that merge our artform with other mediums and artists.

“We look forward to a year that fulfils dreams, inspires dreams and brings dreams to life.” 

Photographer: Justin Ridler.

www.queenslandballet.com.au