The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) has launched its 2022 season with two glorious ‘story ballets’ and two dazzling shorter works. Productions by some of the country’s – and the world’s – most respected choreographers will touch down in Tāmaki Makaurau from February.
The first of the mixed-bill works will arrive at Aotea Centre on 10 March, in the spirit and power of Venus Rising – the brightest of stars, and herald of the dusk and of the dawn. Three extraordinary short works by inspiring and internationally celebrated choreographers will alight in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, in partnership with the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival and the Auckland Arts Festival.
In the Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella, opening in Auckland on 10 August, RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker has reunited the dream team of choreographer Loughlan Prior and composer Claire Cowan (Hansel & Gretel) to fashion a fizzy and fantastic brand-new ballet.
For the Ryman Healthcare Season of Cinderella (August to September), RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker re–unites the dream team of Loughlan Prior and Claire Cowan (Hansel & Gretel) to fashion a brand-new ballet which will vibrantly re-open Wellington’s St James Theatre before heading off on a national tour.
Feisty, funny, fizzy and fabulous, Cinderella is choreographed by master storyteller Prior (The Firebird) and set to a magical new score by boundary-pushing composer and performer Cowan, with fashion-forward designs by Emma Kingsbury and lighting by Jeremy Fern.
Taking centrestage at Aotea Centre from 26 to 29 May is an opulent, shimmering production of Swan Lake. Guided Ōtautahi Christchurch-based ballet legend Russell Kerr’s 1996 production, Patricia Barker is revisiting this timeless ballet to uplift the dramatic and technical brilliance of a new generation of RNZB dancers.
Finally, the RNZB will welcome summer with New Zealand’s favourite Tutus on Tour, which spins into town on 28 October.
Further information can be found at www.rnzb.org.nz.
