Ballet Promises ‘Stroppy Sheilas And Sexy Divas’

Media release
For immediate release
9 October 2001

Ballet’s 2002 Line-Up Promises ‘Stroppy Sheilas And Sexy Divas’

It’s a year for ballet’s stroppy sheilas and sexy divas, says new Artistic Director Gary Harris, announcing the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2002 Subscription Series.

“Be prepared for a year of love, passion and betrayal. In our seasons of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Swan Lake and Carmen, stroppy sheilas and sexy divas get themselves into all sorts of trouble!” says Mr Harris.

“In the stunning production of Michael Pink’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, we bring you Esmeralda – a tart with a heart is ever there was one. Michael and his team were behind the blood-curdling Dracula, and with Hunchback they’ve guaranteed to deliver all their trademark theatrical pyrotechnics.

“If you are asked to name the ultimate classical ballet, chances are Swan Lake would be the first you’d mention. Swan Lake is one of the greatest of the Russian ballets - the ultimate picture book ballet.

“From the wrong side of the tracks there’s only one – Carmen! We turn up the heat with this explosive production, choreographed by Didy Veldman. Didy’s works are known for their sparkle and sophistication, and Carmen is no exception.”

Mr Harris says next year’s programme confirms the company’s versatility. “Our repertoire for 2002 confirms the company’s strong classical base as well as its healthy attitude towards innovation. It will be another year packed-full of dynamic dance,” he says.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Subscription Series gives the public an opportunity to book now to secure the best seats for next year's programme and save 20%. This year Napier has been added to the Subscription centres, which include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Palmerston North. Call 0800 4 DANCE (0800 432 623) for more information about becoming a Subscriber.

THE MERIDIAN ENERGY SEASON OF THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
Victor Hugo’s extraordinary tale of love, deception and murder in medieval Paris, is brought to life in blockbuster ballet fashion.

Forget Disney – The Meridian Energy Season of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a sweeping dance drama that pulses with sexual tension and tragedy.

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The story centres on the gypsy Esmeralda who captivates the hideously deformed Quasimodo and his ruthless master, the Archdeacon Frollo. Amidst the pageant of 15th Century Paris, they plunge headlong in to certain tragedy.

Hunchback is choreographed and directed by acclaimed British artist Michael Pink. With his trademark ability to marry dance and spectacular stage effects, Pink’s faithful interpretation of Hugo’s masterpiece is an unforgettable experience.

THE LOTTO SEASON OF SWAN LAKE
The classical ballet masterwork Swan Lake returns to the stage next year.

The famous choreographer George Balanchine, said that: “All leading dancers want to dance Swan Lake at least once in their careers, and all audiences want to see them dance it.” The enchanting love story between Prince Siegfried and Odette, the beautiful Swan Queen, lies at the heart of this production’s enduring appeal.

Last performed in 1996 to capacity audiences, Swan Lake received critical acclaim for its spectacular choreography, opulent set, costume designs and impeccable dancing.

Dancers from the company will be joined by international stars in a production put together by some of the most respected and talented people in the world of dance. Artistic Director Gary Harris will restage Russell Kerr’s choreography for the 2002 production.

CARMEN
Carmen…dangerous to know. She is unscrupulous, hot-blooded and utterly irresistible.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet closes its year with a stylish and sassy production of Carmen, which was first performed by Northern Ballet Theatre to acclaim in 1999.

Carmen, the man-eater immortalised in Bizet’s operatic masterpiece, uses her seductive powers to devastating effect. She disarms with a sideward glance and manipulates every situation to her favour ­ until one of these men, José, falls desperately in love with her. Caught between duty and desire, José's uncontrollable passion for the dismissive Carmen can only lead to disaster.

Choreographer Didy Veldman has set the ballet in modern day Rio de Janeiro, where gangsters and cult rock stars populate the seedy underbelly of the city. Dutch-born Didy is among a handful of top women choreographers working in the international ballet world today.

ENDS

Electronic images and more information available. Please contact:
George Hills
Communications Advisor
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Ph: 04 381 9018
Fax: 04 381 9003
Email: george@nzballet.org.nz

DATES

Hunchback Of Notre Dame

Fri 22-Feb Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Sat 23-Feb Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Sun 24-Feb Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 1:30 & 7:30
Mon 25-Feb Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Thur 28-Feb Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30
Fri 1-Mar Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30
Sat 2-Mar Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30
Wed 6-Mar Auckland –Civic Theatre 7:30
Thur 7-Mar Auckland –Civic Theatre 7:30
Fri 8-Mar Auckland –Civic Theatre 7:30
Sat 9-Mar Auckland –Civic Theatre 1:30 & 7:30
Sun 10-Mar Auckland –Civic Theatre 6:30
Fri 15-Mar Dunedin – Regent Theatre 7:30
Sat 16-Mar Dunedin – Regent Theatre 7:30
Sun 17-Mar Dunedin – Regent Theatre 6:30
Thur 21-Mar Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7.30
Fri 22-Mar Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Sat 23-Mar Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Sun 24-Mar Christchurch – Theatre Royal 6:30
Fri 5-Apr Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 7:30
Sat 6-Apr Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 7:30
Sun 7-Apr Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 6:30
Swan Lake

Fri 31-May Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Sat 1-Jun Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Sun 2-Jun Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 6:30
Wed 5-Jun Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Thu 6-Jun Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Fri 7-Jun Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 6:30
Sat 8-Jun Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 1:30 & 7:30
Tues 11-Jun Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 7:30
Wed 12-Jun Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 7:30
Fri 14-Jun Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30
Sat 15-Jun Napier – Municipal Theatre 1.30 & 7:30
Wed 19-Jun Auckland – Aotea Centre 7:30
Thu 20-Jun Auckland – Aotea Centre 1.30 & 7:30
Fri 21-Jun Auckland – Aotea Centre 7:30
Sat 22-Jun Auckland – Aotea Centre 1:30 & 7:30
Sun 23-Jun Auckland – Aotea Centre 3.00
Thu 27-Jun Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Fri 28-Jun Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Sat 29-Jun Christchurch – Theatre Royal 1.30 & 7.30
Sun 30-Jun Christchurch – Theatre Royal 3.00
Fri 5-Jul Dunedin – Regent Theatre 7:30
Sat 6-Jul Dunedin – Regent Theatre 7:30
Sun 7-Jul Dunedin – Regent Theatre 6:30
Wed 10-Jul Invercargill – Civic Theatre 7:30
Thu 11-Jul Invercargill – Civic Theatre 7:30

Carmen
Fri 1-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Sat 2-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Sun 3-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 6:30
Wed 6-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Thu 7-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 7:30
Fri 8-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 6:30
Sat 9-Nov Wellington - WestpacTrust St James Theatre 1:30 & 7:30
Fri 15-Nov Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 7:30
Sat 16-Nov Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 7:30
Sun 17-Nov Palmerston North – Regent on Broadway 3:00
Fri 22-Nov Dunedin – Regent Theatre 7:30
Sat 23-Nov Dunedin – Regent Theatre 7:30
Sun 24-Nov Dunedin – Regent Theatre 6:30
Thu 28-Nov Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Fri 29-Nov Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Sat 30-Nov Christchurch – Theatre Royal 7:30
Wed 4-Dec Auckland - Aotea Centre 7:30
Thu 5-Dec Auckland - Aotea Centre 7:30
Fri 6-Dec Auckland – Aotea Centre 7:30
Sat 7-Dec Auckland – Aotea Centre 1:30 & 7:30
Sun 8-Dec Auckland – Aotea Centre 6:30
Thu 12-Dec Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30
Fri 13-Dec Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30
Sat 14-Dec Napier – Municipal Theatre 7:30

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