In a world of noise and rush, the return of The Australian Ballet to Adelaide offers a welcome escape into a world of opulence and fantasy. With a timeless grace, David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty revives the classic fairytale with exquisite detail and grandeur. The audience is immediately swept into their luscious fantasy world, and we are reminded of the quiet power of ballet to pause time and carry us somewhere far more beautiful.
As the largest classical ballet company in the country, The Australian Ballet’s annual visit is a much-anticipated calendar highlight. Under the Artistic Direction of David Hallberg, The Australian Ballet’s revival of this production marks the 10th anniversary of The Sleeping Beauty‘s 2015 premiere.
The original ballet was first performed in 1890, choreographed by ballet master Marius Petipa. This version was based on Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairytale, La Belle au Bois Dormant. Tchaikovsky’s epic score has remained since the 19th century as the commanding backbone of the work.
In 2015, Nicolette Fraillon, Music Director for The Australian Ballet, condensed Tchaikovsky’s four-hour score with careful attention to the narrative for their production. Propelling the story in this production is the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Lo.
Emerging straight out of the Classical Era, this four-act production begins with a prologue at Aurora’s Christening. Six beautiful fairies arrive at the celebration to bestow qualities onto Princess Aurora, led by her godmother, the Lilac Fairy. Left out of the festivities, but showing up anyway, is Carabosse, the Fairy of Wisdom.
Furious, she casts the infamous spell: that at sixteen, Aurora will prick her finger on a spindle and die. The Lilac Fairy counters the spell; instead, Aurora will fall into a deep sleep. In the following Acts, Aurora meets her fate and awaits her Prince. A hundred years later, the Lilac Fairy shows Prince Désiré a vision of Aurora, who resolves to find her.
On opening night, Princess Aurora was performed by Adelaide’s own Jill Ogai, with Marcus Morelli as Prince Désiré. Their execution of the incredibly advanced classical ballet choreography was just mesmerising to watch. From Ogai’s entrance in Act I, I was transfixed by her stunning performance quality. From her expressions to her unbelievable balance, she captures Aurora’s delicate innocence and regal poise.
The pas de deux in Act III showcases the pair’s breathtaking control, tenderness and timeless romance as the story comes to a close. As the Prince, Morelli soars both figuratively and literally in his solo moments, commanding the stage with the grace and romantic conviction of a fairytale hero. As recently appointed Principal Artists, Ogai and Morelli have certainly solidified their status.
The fairies, led by Rina Nemoto as the Lilac Fairy, are an absolute audience delight. Their characterisation shines as brightly as their technical precision. Enhancing their individual personalities and gifts are the stunning tutus designed by Gabriela Tylesova.
Each technically demanding solo variation performed by the fairies flaunts the talents of each dancer. Isobelle Dashwood, Aya Watanabe, Mia Heathcote, Samara Merrick and Larissa Kiyoto-Ward are equally crisp and elegant in their performances, accentuating the enchantment and whimsy at the heart of this fantasy world.
Nemoto’s portrayal of the Fairy Godmother holds a quiet power within the narrative. She is elegant, a little bossy, but mighty powerful, orchestrating the heartfelt conclusion to the beloved love story.
Heightening the essence of fantasy and romanticism, the corps de ballet are instrumental in creating the whimsical world of The Sleeping Beauty. They effortlessly dance through advanced combinations that demand precision, transitioning through a myriad of formations and pas de deuxs. Their scenes are so visually stunning, they are best kept as a surprise! However, their Nymph scene in particular is a mesmerising display of ethereal beauty and harmonious movements, further enhanced by Jon Buswell’s lighting design.
Tylesova’s costuming and set design are extremely lavish and grand. With incredible detail and symbolism throughout, each costume is a work of art. In conjunction with the set pieces straight from the Baroque period, the audience is truly transported to a different era.
When the conclusion to this spectacular production sadly arrives, it’s a tad disappointing to return to reality, having been transported to an opulent fantasy universe. The Australian Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty is so vivid and enchanting, one can only pray it will linger in the mind forever.
The Sleeping Beauty runs to 29 July in Adelaide, then tours to Brisbane and Sydney. See below for full dates.
Tickets are available here!
Website: https://australianballet.com.au/performances/the-sleeping-beauty
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/ausballet/
Photo credits: Jonathan van der Knaap
The Sleeping Beauty Tour Dates:
Adelaide
22 – 29 July, Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
With Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Brisbane
16 – 23 August, Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
With Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Sydney
21 November – 17 December, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
With Opera Australia Orchestra
