Skip to main content

Article: Coppélia - Queensland Ballet

 

Queensland Ballet presents Coppélia, a truly captivating ballet infused with a uniquely Australian twist.

 

Premiering in 2014, this imaginative adaptation by Greg Horseman draws inspiration from Australia’s rich migrant history, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale.

 

Set against the charming backdrop of 19th-century Hahndorf, South Australia, Coppélia unfolds the intriguing story of Dr. Coppélius, a German migrant striving to recreate his lost daughter amidst the enchanting Australian landscape.

 

Mr. Horsman seamlessly merges the classical essence with an Australian aesthetic, resulting in a poignant and ingenious adaptation. The ballet interweaves themes of love and mischief, featuring a life-like doll and quarrelling lovers in a delightful blend of chaos and Australian charm.

 

Mr. Horsman shared his perspective on Coppélia, acknowledging its popularity in the classical repertoire while expressing the need to bring an Australian context to Queensland audiences. He said the production always had a special place in his heart.“Coppelia was the first full length ballet I performed in as a lead role. 

 

In my production of Coppelia, I changed the time period as well as the setting. I’ve set mine towards the end of the 1800s in Handoff, which is the oldest surviving settlement still in Australia. “By setting the ballet in Handoff, that gave me the capacity to elaborate on Dr Coppelius’ character.”

 

“Coppelia is a light-hearted mischievous ballet, that will charm audiences of all ages, a beautiful lifelike doll and two quarrelling lovers create comic chaos in this spirited romantic era ballet, with a distinctly Australian flare,” Mr Horsman said.

 

Coppélia transcends the classical, incorporating film projection, storytelling theatre, and pantomime, with a playful nod to Australian fashion of the time.

 

Don’t miss Coppélia at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC, from 7 – 22 June 2024. For more information and to secure your tickets to this enchanting family ballet, click here.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: The Cemetery Club - Tugun Theatre

Written by Rett Visser Meet the Cemetery Club! Three longtime friends in their late fifties to early sixties, who are now also united by bereavement. Meeting once a month to visit the cemetery where their deceased husbands lay, their friendship and love for their husbands form the cornerstone of ‘The Cemetery Club’. As in real-life, each woman is dealing with grief differently, as every relationship is different: Doris is struggling with losing the love of her life Abe, despite it being four years since his passing, Lucille is kicking up her heels and spending the inheritance left by the unfaithful Harry, and Ida misses her Murry but realises that she doesn’t want to mourn forever. When Sam, the widower meets the ladies whilst visiting the grave of his deceased wife, a shy attraction to Ida sees cracks in the friendships begin to grow. Efficiently directed by Julie Neumann, the space was well-considered enabling the audience to feel like they were included in the conversation as the la...
1 comment
Read more

Love Labour’s Lost // Footlight Theatrical

  By Jake Goodall “Your wit’s too hot, it speeds too fast, ’twill tire.” Footlight Theatrical’s Love Labour’s Lost sets hearts ablaze with wit and charm in a dazzling Queensland Premiere at the Ron Hurley Theatre in Seven Hills! William Shakespeare’s brilliant and hilarious comedy takes centre stage as the King and his friends swear off women, only to find themselves falling in love with a princess and her ladies.  The ensuing courtship and a year of separation make for an unsatisfying yet tantalizing ending, leaving the audience yearning for more. Could Shakespeare’s elusive sequel, ‘Love’s Labour’s Won,’ hold the key to further adventures? Only time will tell, leaving us at the mercy of the bard’s whims. The production’s set, masterfully designed by Ian Johnson, immerses us in a visually stunning world reminiscent of Mamma Mia. The use of Greek-inspired elements and a towering white wall representing the King’s house are executed with finesse, while the on-stage spa adds an ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Company - Phoenix Ensemble

  Written by Mark Rickell "Company, Sondheim’s sixth Broadway musical, was his breakthrough to serious credibility. It received 14 Tony Award nominations, a record at the time. It’s a minimally plotted collection of songs and stories (more like a revue than a traditional musical) about a single man, his married friends, and several girlfriends. Robert wrestles with relationships and commitment. The show’s title has multiple facets, all important to appreciating its complexity. “Company” is the opposite of solitude and loneliness. It means being surrounded by friends and loved ones. It’s also the tightly knit ensemble of actors performing a show.” - Rick Pender, Everything Sondheim Company at Phoenix Ensemble was exactly as Rick has suggested above. A tight knit, and truly excellent, ensemble of actors performing this show. Director Tammy (Sarah Linde) and assistant director Luke (O’Hagan) are responsible for the set design and the simplicity of form and function they have elected ...
Post a Comment
Read more