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

Article: Drama Dispatch Team's Achievements!

In the vibrant world of Australian theatre, few opportunities shine as brightly as La Boite’s Assembly Program. This prestigious initiative has long been a beacon for nurturing creative talent and fostering innovative storytelling. This year, we are thrilled to announce the inclusion of two exceptional individuals from our ranks: Grace Wilson, a celebrated playwright and regular Drama Dispatch Reviewer, and Jake Goodall, an acclaimed director and Drama Dispatch's Managing Director. Their acceptance into the Assembly Program promises to enrich the Australian theatre landscape with fresh perspectives and compelling narratives. Grace Wilson’s journey as a writer is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in playwriting, Wilson has carved out a niche for herself with her unique voice and evocative storytelling. Her works often explore the intricacies of human relationships, societal norms, and the complexities of identity. Wilson’s ability to weave intricate plots with deep emoti...
Post a Comment
Read more

Article: Waru is sure to delight these school holidays

  Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre will bring its delightful work for children, Waru – journey of the small turtle to QPAC from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 June for the school holidays.   Fresh from its critically acclaimed (and kid approved!) Australian tour in 2023, Waru is a must- see new Australian work for children aged three to eight years and their families.   A journey of survival and discovery with our heroine Migi the turtle, the contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story is inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, in an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for three- to eight-year-olds.   Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born. The season has started, the turtles are returning to nest, and soon the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Carrie The Musical - Phoenix Ensemble

  Written by Gabriel Besa We’re back in high school but this time we’re attending Chamberlain High. Here, we meet any high school trope you can think of while also singing and dancing about the high school experience. Carrie: the Musical is based off the Stephen King novel that Phoenix Ensemble then brought to their stage. Phoenix Ensemble is full of creatives that have previously done shows like Footloose, Sweeney Todd, and The Spongebob Musical.  Carrie White is a misfit. At school, she's an outcast who's bullied by the popular crowd, and virtually invisible to everyone else. At home, she's at the mercy of her loving but cruelly over-protective mother. But Carrie's just discovered she's got a special power, and if pushed too far, she's not afraid to use it. Set in the present in the small New England town of Chamberlain, Maine, Carrie: The Musical features a book by Lawrence D. Cohen (screenwriter of the classic film), music by Academy Award winner Michael Gor...
Post a Comment
Read more