The tale of Snow White by the brothers Grimm was published in 1812. It has since inspired numerous productions, most famous being Walt Disney’s 1937 animation in full technicolour.
The essential themes are timeless: romantic love, murderous envy and powerful royals.
Act 1 commences harmoniously. A happy Royal couple contentedly parenting their Bonny babe, Snow White who grows into a good and lovely young lady.
Following the death of Lillian, his young wife, the prince makes a bad marital decision when he succumbs to the charms of a mysterious woman at a masquerade ball. The wicked stepmother is now ensconced in the story. Her evil reign of dominance, darkness and destruction commences.
By the end of Act 1, the enraged, narcissistic queen is brewing a poisonous potion in a large cauldron. At the commencement of Act 2, she’s incognito and successfully homing in on her oblivious victim, Snow White.
Ultimately, good prevails over evil and with the bad queen gone, the future looks bright.
This production of Snow White by Ballet Theatre Queensland is a world premiere. A dazzling reimagining of the original story, it is the largest scale production ever undertaken by the company.
The courage of the visionaries, the talents of the creatives and the commitment to hard work by all involved have been highly rewarded by the successful and dramatic outcome.
The collaborative duo at the core of this imaginative retelling of a famed fairy tale are the choreographer, Clare Morehen and the composer, Lucas D. Lynch. A powerful pairing, Morehen is a former principal with Queensland Ballet and Artistic Director of Ballet Theatre Queensland; Lynch is Musical Director and conductor of Cadenza Chamber Players.
Performed by Cadenza with the Voices of Birralee, under the baton of the composer, the original score is a powerful, intense and emotionally evocative work. The orchestral contrasts between goodness and evil are striking. The sweet, soft, honest melody of goodness and happiness versus the thundering, crushing discord of evil.
This stunning contrast is magnified by the persuasive choreography and clever staging decisions made by the skilled creatives. Bill Haycock’s set design provides an enchanting backdrop as the story moves between contented domesticity and the darkness of the evil kingdom. Lighting Designer, Glenn Hughes and Sound Designer, Wil Hughes successfully enhance the sensory and atmospheric experience.
The choice of that iconic mirror comprised of glass shards held in place or carried off by goblin-like, skulled creatures is a stroke of creative genius.
Outstanding character costumes for the large cast have been designed by Rebekah Ellis, assisted by Anita Sweeney. From the glowing, little fireflies to the regal robes of the evil queen, the choices are apt.
The enormous task of casting, choreographing and coaching an army of young dancers aged 8 to 17 has been admirably achieved. It was amusing and delightful to observe their mature approach to performance and their commitment to characterisation and timing. They took performing on opening night in the world premiere of a full scale ballet in their stride.
Snow White (Caitlin Volker) and her younger self (Ivy Noonan) were elegant in their respective roles. Sophia Gougoulas was a standout as the evil queen. She dominated the performance with her regality, poise and powerful stage presence.
Guest artists, Jayden Grogan as King Frederic, Jordan Lennon (William) and Callum Paterson as the huntsman brought depth, experience and professionalism to the production.
Eighty four dancers appear in the seven performances at the Concert Hall – Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The eighty one of the young dancers had the wonderful opportunity to work with three professional guest artists in this stunning, successful production.
Enormous congratulations to all involved. I predict that this won’t be the last time that this production is staged.
Ballet Theatre Queensland: Snow White
Concert Hall – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Thursday 23 January 2025
Season continues to 26 January 2025
Bookings: www.qpac.com.au
For more information, visit: www.btq.com.au for details.
Image: Caitlin Volker as Snow White – photo by Quince & Mulberry
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan