A free programme of community events will aim to reach more Queenslanders than ever, as part of this year’s QPAC International Series – an exclusive Australian season of Ballet Preljocaj’s ‘Swan Lake’.
Founded in 1985 by maverick French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, Ballet Preljocaj last wowed audiences at Queensland Performing Arts Centre in 2016, with ‘Snow White’. The company is known for warping the experience of ballet for audiences.
This production of ‘Swan Lake’ from Ballet Preljocaj leans on some elements from Marius Pepita and Lev Ivanov’s original choreography, but has reimagined it, with ‘audacity and respect’.
In early June, in association with Alliance Française de Brisbane, QPAC will present a free, exclusive screening of Valérie Müller’s documentary ‘La Force de l’âge (The Prime of Life)’ in the Lyric Theatre. . . Followed by a a panel discussion with Valérie and Angelin Preljocaj.
These behind-the-scenes insights will continue after select performances of ‘Swan Lake’ in the Lyric Theatre. Audiences will be invited to attend free panel discussions with speakers from Ballet Preljocaj and the fields of dance, orchestral music and academia.
Plus, 17 venues around Queensland will host special screenings of Ballet Preljocaj’s ‘Swan Lake’, with music by Queensland Symphony Orchestra, performed and recorded in Brisbane. This Queensland-only broadcast will be free to attend at Brolga Theatre (Maryborough), Dalby Players Little Theatre, Forest View Residential Aged Care (Wondai), Gladstone Entertainment Centre, Kingaroy Performing Arts Centre, Leichhardt Centre (Miles), HOTA Cinema (Gold Coast), Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre (Bundaberg), Mount Isa Civic Centre, Nanango Cultural Centre, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Redland Performing Arts Centre (Cleveland), Roma Cultural Centre, Studio 188 (Ipswich), The Clink Theatre (Port Douglas) and The J (Noosa).
Image © JC Carbonne
“When we bring companies like Ballet Preljocaj to QPAC, which are the best in the world at what they do, we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to experience their work,” QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy says.
“Angelin and Ballet Preljocaj completely throw out the rules of ballet, and whether you are witnessing their magic in the theatre or on the big screen, I am confident audiences will be challenged and inspired by this new interpretation of a masterpiece.
“We couldn’t reach such broad audiences without the collaboration of our partner venues across Queensland; and we’re incredibly grateful for their shared passion for the arts and applaud their commitment to ensuring their communities can experience this internationally acclaimed company.”
Ballet Preljocaj’s ‘Swan Lake’ is on at Queensland Performing Arts Centre 31 May-7 June. ‘La Force de l’âge (The Prime of Life)’ is screened at the venue on 2 June. Screenings of ‘Swan Lake’ take place around Queensland from 13-15 June.
