The Australian Ballet's Production of David McAllister's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Announced for 2017 in Brisbane

The Australian Ballet's most ambitious production ever staged is coming to Brisbane: David McAllister's The Sleeping Beauty announced for 2017

Following a critically acclaimed world premiere and sell-out seasons across the country, The Australian Ballet is thrilled to announce David McAllister's The Sleeping Beauty is coming to Brisbane. To be performed at QPAC, The Sleeping Beauty will run 24 February to 4 March in 2017. Tickets will go on sale Thursday 21 July.

Fairies, bluebirds, a gilded court and a spell-shattering kiss: one of the most beloved fairytale ballets has been re-awakened to new life in Artistic Director David McAllister's lavish and beautiful production. Keeping true to the artistic spirit of the traditional version of The Sleeping Beauty, this extraordinary new production gives thrilling rein to the talents of the Entire company. Sumptuous, sparkling sets and costumes by Gabriela Tylesova evoke the gilded splendour of the Imperial court and the French Louis XIV period alongside the magic of elves, nymphs and fairies. The much anticipated world premiere of this landmark production was the highlight of The Australian Ballet's recent seasons.

With iconic dance moments such as the famously difficult Rose Adage, as well as commanding soloist roles and exceptional ensemble dances for the corps de ballet, this work is a perfect addition to the company's repertoire. Tchaikovsky's genius for creating melodies and mastery of musical structure are on show from beginning to end. The exquisite dancing and the famous score, ensure The Sleeping Beauty is one of the most beloved ballets of dance's golden age.

For McAllister this production has been a crowning moment following an 18-year dance career with the company and 14 years as its Artistic Director. "The Sleeping Beauty is one of the great ballet works and Petipa's choreography is a pure celebration of the classical art form. My production is a traditional retelling, but shaped to reflect the concerns and responsibilities of a modern-day monarchy," said McAllister.

"To reveal a deeper, more meaningful story, the ballet showcases the drama and double-cross of twists and turns, of characters we can relate to, and the sense of triumph when the human spirit prevails. Aurora is strong and independent and aware of her responsibilities as princess and future monarch. She connects with her prince and their hearts are united, their future entwined with love's first kiss," he says.

Gabriela Tylesova is one of the world's most respected theatre designers. Audiences across the globe have marvelled at the inspired creative artistry of her renowned sets and costumes, which has seen her receive two Helpmann Award nominations in 2016 for Best Costume Design and Best Scenic Design. Tylesova has brought a touch of magic again to this production and her reputation for excellence is in every detail.

"I am thrilled to have worked with David McAllister to create the grand theatrical versions of the Royal Palace, with its gardens dramatically transformed, and the masked ball inspired by Louis XIV's court," says Tylesova.

"There are hundreds of costumes: bejewelled, enchanting tutus; ornate robes; layered period dresses; sparkling headdresses; wings, and more. This is the world of fairies, woodland nymphs, the royal court and various fantastical characters," adds the designer.

David McAllister's version of The Sleeping Beauty has already been enjoyed by over 65,000 people with sell-out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth following the world premiere in 2015. The most ambitious production ever staged by The Australian Ballet The Sleeping Beauty was made possible through generous philanthropic support. Throughout 2014 and 2015, more than 2,000 people contributed over 70% of the total production costs.

THE STORY
Doomed from infancy to fatally prick her finger on her 16th birthday, the princess Aurora is saved from the curse of spiteful Carabosse by her champion the Lilac Fairy, who lulls the kingdom into a deep slumber. When the lonely Prince Désiré learns of Aurora's fate, he comes to her rescue with a redemptive kiss of true love. The couple celebrate their wedding and coronation in the light and bustle of the revived palace, with a masked ball attended by fairies, bluebirds and familiar friends from the pages of Grimm fairytales.
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (2015)
Director David McAllister
Choreography Marius Petipa
Music Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Costume and set design Gabriela Tylesova
Lighting design Jon Buswell

DATES
BRISBANE
24 February to 4 March 2017
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

BOOKINGS
Tickets will go on sale on 21 July 2016 at
australianballet.com.au
or QPAC P: 136 246

SPECIAL EVENTS

Open Class
Sunday 26 February 2017
10am, 11.30am and 1pm (Each class is 75 minutes)
Tickets prices: $27

Dancers of The Australian Ballet will teach three non-syllabus classes for dance students in levels three and four, five and six and intermediate and above. The classes are designed to encourage a sensitive approach to musical phrasing, correct alignment of the body and greater efficiency in moving.

Once Upon a Time: The Sleeping Beauty
Wednesday 1 March 2017
12.30pm - 1.30pm
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Ticket prices: $82 (premium), $73 (A res) and $45 (B res)

Once Upon a Time: The Sleeping Beauty is a magical experience that will make you gasp, dream and laugh! This special one-hour version of a storybook ballet is performed live on stage and narrated by one of the central characters. Perfect for children, it's fun, interactive and will have everyone out of their seats, twirling for joy. Come dressed in your favourite ballet-inspired or fairytale outfits. This performance will be fully orchestrated with Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

McAllister in Conversation
Wednesday 1 March 2017
5pm - 5.45pm
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Free event

Don't miss this intimate talk, hosted by Artistic Director David McAllister with a principal dancer, where they share their secrets of success both on and off the stage.

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