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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.

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