Queensland Ballet (QB) has been forced to cancel its highly anticipated season of Giselle, due to recent flood impacts to QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre.
While QPAC has been able to re-open some of its venues in a staged approach, the Playhouse Theatre and Performing Arts car park remains affected by the recent storms, which saw many homes and businesses inundated.
Set to open on Thursday 14 April to a sold-out audience, Giselle is renowned as one of ballet’s most celebrated works from the romantic-era and was a highlight of QB’s 2022 season.
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin says the company is devastated by this news, but acknowledges many other artists and arts companies are in similar circumstances due to cancellations of their seasons in the Playhouse.
“We acknowledge this is incredibly disappointing news for our patrons, who were so eagerly awaiting this beautiful season of Giselle. However, after considering all other possibilities and alternatives, there is unfortunately no way we can present our sold-out season of this incredible ballet,” said Mr Li.
“It has been a difficult period of time for arts companies across Queensland and beyond, firstly with the pandemic, and now the impacts of the recent severe weather, which has unfortunately impacted the Playhouse Theatre, among other Queensland arts venues.”
“We acknowledge the entire team at QPAC and Arts Queensland, who are working incredibly hard to get these venues back up and running, and we extend our gratitude to our community and patrons, who continue to support us through these challenges.”
“We know the curtain will rise again on this iconic production, and we are eagerly planning when we can share the haunting beauty of Giselle with Brisbane audiences,” said Mr Li.
All refunds for ticket holders will be processed automatically by QTIX. Unless credit card details have changed, patrons do not need to contact anyone. If payment details have changed, ticket holders should contact QTIX on 136 246 as soon as possible.
Queensland Ballet’s season of Giselle was set to run from 14 – 23 April at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC. For more information, visit: www.queenslandballet.com.au for details.
Image: Queensland Ballet’s production of Giselle – photo by David Kelly