Twisting into a new season
This year marks the end of the Australian Ballet’s four-year exploration of the Ballets Russes, but in the meantime, the company launched its 2009 season last week with the premiere of Firebird and Other Legends.
It’s three one-act ballets -” Les Sylphides, Petrouchka and Firebird -” originally performed in Paris a century ago by the famous Ballets Russes, Australian Ballet dancer Kevin Jackson told Sydney Star Observer.
Les Sylphides and Petrouchka are choreographed by Mikhail Fokine. In tribute to him and the artists of the time, Graeme Murphy has created a new Firebird especially to mark the celebrations.
Graeme Murphy’s Firebird is based on a Russian folktale about a mythical bird that bestows wishes and curses in equal measures.
The piece explores the cycle of good and evil and how love can be found even in the darkest of times. Graeme’s wonderful creativity has every moment telling a part of this epic story, Jackson said.
Firebird and Other Legends is all about telling a story. It is very accessible to the most diehard of fans right through to the ballet virgin. Just let the music, the dancers and the choreography take you on a journey.
The Australian Ballet will open The Nutcracker: The Story of Clara and then Bodytorque 2.2 in May.
info: Firebird and Other Legends is playing at the Sydney Opera House until Wednesday 22 April. Bookings on 1300 369 741 or visit australianballet.com.au.
