This October, Adelaide will witness the majestic flight of The Australian Ballet’s reimagined production of the timeless classic, “Swan Lake.” Artistic Director David Hallberg and choreographer Lucas Jervies have collaborated to breathe new life into this beloved ballet, ensuring it continues to enchant audiences with its enduring themes and hauntingly beautiful music.
The production is a cornerstone of The Australian Ballet’s 60th Anniversary season and will be performed at the Adelaide Festival Centre from 7 – 14 October, before gracing the stages of Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Sydney Opera House. This rendition of “Swan Lake” is reimagined by Artistic Director David Hallberg and pays homage to the iconic 1977 Anne Woolliams’ production, blending history with a fresh perspective, modern focus on costume, and set design.
“Our 60th year is the perfect moment to create a new classical version of Swan Lake. One that will stand proud as a fresh representation of The Australian Ballet, further elevating our artistic excellence. With a timeless ballet comes the need for a fresh perspective, and a modern focus on costume and set design will prove that Swan Lake is still the most beautiful of ballet ever created,” Hallberg said.
Since its debut in 1962, “Swan Lake” has been performed 659 times, playing a pivotal role in the company’s history. This production is a testament to the company’s unwavering passion and commitment to classical ballet and is dedicated to the late James Ramsay AO, a visionary patron of The Australian Ballet. The James & Diana Ramsay Foundation has significantly contributed to realizing this special, 60th-anniversary production of “Swan Lake.”
The ballet narrates the poignant story of Prince Siegfried and his love for Odette, a princess ensnared by the sorcerer von Rothbart. The audience will relive their favorite moments from this masterpiece, including the iconic Act II pas de deux between Siegfried and Odette, the Black Swan pas de deux, and the dance of the four cygnets.
The original sets and costumes may be lost to history, but the creative partners and design team, including Daniel Ostling, Mara Blumenfeld, and lighting designer T.J. Gerckens, have meticulously reconstructed the ballet for the 21st century, respecting its timeless history. Over 250 costumes have been constructed, and von Rothbart’s menacing black cape has been hand-crafted with hundreds of feathers by the dedicated costume department.
The Australian Ballet’s Musical Director Jonathan Lo will lead Orchestra Victoria, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia Orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky’s haunting and dramatic score.
“To conduct Swan Lake is to conduct a symphony that lasts a whole evening. The symphonic logic across the entire score propels the drama with the famous melodies, kaleidoscopic range of orchestral colours and soul-stirring harmonies. This is music that moves, inspires and excites no matter how many times you do it,” said Lo.
“To conduct this masterpiece in this iconic ballet with our incredible artists – this is going to be an artistic journey that transcends and elevates our collective human experience.”
The reimagined “Swan Lake” is a powerful reminder of the ballet’s enduring appeal, its themes of solitude, idealism, betrayal, and forgiveness continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. It’s not just a performance; it’s a journey through love and sacrifice, a dance between light and darkness, and a celebration of the human spirit.
David Hallberg concluded, “This is the Swan Lake that audiences have loved for generations. A timeless ballet that will carry the torch once again to remind us why this is still the most beloved ballet in history.”
Swan Lake
Where: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
When: 7-14 October
For more informational and to book, click here.
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