After charming Brisbane audiences in 2016, Queensland Ballet presents Shakespeare’s whimsical masterpiece, A Midsummer Night’s Dream for a limited season at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre this October.
Be transported to a fantastical world of dazzling dance, music and enchantment, as acclaimed choreographer Liam Scarlett brings the magical, humorous and timeless story of love, jealousy and mistaken identities to life. Lovers, fairies, mischief and moonlight conspire in Shakespeare’s classic tale, vividly retold with sparkling steps, set against Mendelssohn’s famous score.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s best-known and best-loved plays, an inspiration for many artistic endeavours, from instrumental music and songs to opera, painting, film and of course ballet – many of the characters are instantly recognisable – Titania, Oberon, Puck and Bottom with his ass’s head.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream has captured the hearts of many, young and old, in the centuries since it was written and has long been a favourite subject for creative artists,” says Li Cunxin, Artistic Director Queensland Ballet. “Transforming Shakespeare’s witty tale into a vibrant ballet takes a certain calibre of choreographer to make the creation quite seamless and full of magic. Liam Scarlett is one such prodigious talent.”
Appointed Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Associate in 2016, Liam Scarlett is in demand worldwide for his exceptional choreographic talent. He has created ballets for The Royal Ballet (where he is Artist in Residence), and commissions for international companies such as New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and English National Ballet.
“As with any great story that has ever been told, I want to take my audience on a journey and through a blazing trail of emotions along the way, so that every individual can enjoy their own Midsummer Night’s Dream,” says choreographer Liam Scarlett.
Distinguished New Zealand designer Tracy Grant Lord (Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet) has created the glorious vision of Shakespeare’s iconic characters and enchanted wood, illuminated with lighting by Kendall Smith (Giselle).
Choreographer: Liam Scarlett Conductor: Nigel Gaynor Costume & Set Designer: Tracy Grant Lord Lighting Designer: Kendall Smith Featuring: Artists of the Queensland Ballet, Orchestra Victoria
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season: 3 – 7 October 2018
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Image: Artists of the Queensland Ballet (supplied)