ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET 2018 SEASON

Transcription

1 ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET 2018 SEASON

2 CONNECT WITH US facebook.com/nzballet twitter.com/nzballet youtube.com/nzballet instagram.com/nzballet Thanks to Vodafone, the Royal New Zealand Ballet are better connected on New Zealand s leading network. Whether we re in Wellington or on the road, the RNZB can always rely on Vodafone, and whether you re on your mobile, your tablet or your home PC, you can always connect with New Zealand s national ballet company. The Royal New Zealand Ballet sincerely thanks the creative partners who have assisted in bringing this vision of our 2018 season to life: Photography / Ross Brown rossbrownphoto.com Design / Homegrown Creative homegrowncreative.co.nz Makeup / Blair Gamblin, Lauren Wells and Kendyl Fouhy for M.A.C Dancers / Massimo Margaria, William Fitzgerald, Abigail Boyle, Alexandre Ferreira, Mayu Tanigaito, Kohei Iwamoto, Katherine Skelton, Branden Reiners, Yang Liu, Joseph Skelton. Thank you to Tara Kinajil-Moran for appearing in the photographs for The Nutcracker. Thank you to PW Dance & Sportswear for assistance with dancewear and tights. Portrait of Patricia Barker by Stephen A Court. W E ' R E TA K I N G O U R exceptional dancers, musical masterpieces and a land of inspiring beauty AND COMBINING THEM WITH a wealth of passion and creativity, to bring you a kaleidoscope of changing, beautiful, unforgettable dance. T H E S TAG E I S S E T. YOU WON'T WA N T T O MISS A STEP Connected by Vodafone

3 2018 BY NUMBERS W E L C O M E T O O U R S E A S O N O F D A N C E Dance is instinctive, and in it we can express emotions and thoughts that are often too powerful for words. Dance is unique in its aesthetic and expressive qualities. Dance can be a dramatic expression or abstract art, and danceworks can be poetic thoughts or offer social commentary. I am honoured and excited to have been appointed the 12th (and the second woman) Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and to call New Zealand my home. I had visited this beautiful country before my move here in June this year. My experience was brief, yet astonishingly picturesque. During a three day visit I was able to ski on Mount Ruapehu, which was emitting plumes of smoke; visit Rotorua and experience the thermal pools; stay overnight in Whitianga with a quick dip in the hot water pools, and viewed Black Magic in Auckland. After more than three decades in the profession, both as a dancer and as an artistic director it is inspiring to discover both a company and a new country that offer so many riches visually and artistically. I look forward to getting to know the people of New Zealand as I travel with the company and hope that the Royal New Zealand Ballet will continue to embody the elegance, grandeur, grace and strength that I have already seen in New Zealand s landscapes and the people that I have met. The Royal New Zealand Ballet is a company full of opportunities. My vision is for the company to be celebrated for commissioning works by the brightest young choreographers, while meticulously maintaining the highest standards of traditional classics. My goal is to continue to elevate the level of our homegrown artists, while attracting outstanding artists dancers, designers, choreographers, musicians from all over the world. New commissions will allow choreographers to draw their inspiration from and create works tailor-made for the artists of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The dancers will be inspired to reach greater artistic heights and satisfy their desires as artists. The repertoire will increasingly take on a distinct New Zealand personality and showcase the many talents of the company. I hope in turn that venues and festivals will be eager to present the Royal New Zealand Ballet at home and abroad, to enthusiastic audiences, so that we can share the beauty of this company with ever-widening audiences. As a national company we serve many purposes. We must present accessible, stimulating, entertaining productions to this diverse nation, be a leader in dance education, and actively engage in our community. We are a cultural ambassador and an important artistic export for New Zealand, sharing the spirit and creativity of our country beyond our borders. With hard work and your support, we can continue to build our national treasure and, in our company s 65th year, advance the Royal New Zealand Ballet s international reputation. Our company is vibrant, innovative and looking forward to an exciting future. Please join us in Patricia Barker, Artistic Director 72 PERFORMANCES 19 THEATRES 16 CENTRES 09 CHOREOGRAPHERS 05 ORCHESTRAS 01 GREAT YEAR 02 03

4 T H E P I A N O : T H E B A L L E T 23 FEBRUARY 7 APRIL Wellington, Napier, Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Rotorua

5 T H E P I A N O : T H E B A L L E T Inspired by the film The Piano with permission kindly granted by Jane Campion, Jan Chapman and Saddleback Productions. Not just about a story, or some characters, but a whole universe of feeling.' ROGER EBERT, FILM CRITIC 25 years ago, cinema goers around the world were captivated by an extraordinary tale of desire, violence and hope. The story of Ada McGrath and her daughter Flora, husband Alastair and lover Baines unfolded against the wild grandeur and desolation of Aotearoa, as Jane Campion s award-winning film took audiences on a visceral journey into New Zealand s imagined past, as it had never been portrayed before. Drawing on the rich inspiration of The Piano, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is honoured to stage the world premiere of this new full-length dance work by Jiří Bubeníček. Originally conceived as a short work for Dortmund Ballet, The Piano: the ballet is now re-imagined and expanded for the RNZB, giving Ada s story a new and distinctively New Zealand voice and, in dance, a powerful new means of expression. Excerpts from Michael Nyman s iconic film score are blended with evocative music by Debussy, Arensky, Stravinsky, Schnittke, Brahms and Shostakovich. WELLINGTON St James Theatre, February NAPIER Napier Municipal Theatre, 2-3 March AUCKLAND ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 8-10 March DUNEDIN Regent Theatre, 16 March CHRISTCHURCH Isaac Theatre Royal, March PALMERSTON NORTH Regent on Broadway, 28 March ROTORUA Civic Theatre, 6-7 April Choreography: Jiří Bubeníček Set and Video Design: Otto Bubeníček Costume Design: Elsa Pavanel Music Arrangement and Composition: Otto Bubeníček Staging: Jiří Bubeníček and Otto Bubeníček Lighting Designer: Jeremy Fern Presented in association with the New Zealand Festival and the Auckland Arts Festival. 06 The Piano: the ballet

6 D A N C I N G W I T H M O Z A R T 31 MAY 8 JULY Wellington, Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin, Blenheim, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Napier, Auckland

7 D A N C I N G W I T H M O Z A R T Great music inspires great dance this winter, as the Royal New Zealand Ballet brings works by two of the greatest choreographers of the 20th and 21st centuries to New Zealand stages, together with an exciting new commission from Birmingham-based, Christchurch-born choreographer, Corey Baker. Works by legendary Czech choreographer, Jiří Kylián, are sought after and treasured by dance companies the world over. Following acclaimed performances of his Soldier s Mass in 1998 and 2015, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is honoured to stage two works created by Kylián for Nederlands Dans Theater. Petite Mort, inspired by Mozart s late piano concertos, was commissioned by the Salzburg Festival in 1991 to mark the 200th anniversary of Mozart s death, and is one of Kylián s most celebrated works. It is here paired with Kylián s Sechs Tänze, created for NDT in Great Russian-American choreographer George Balanchine, founder of New York City Ballet and one of the most influential choreographers of all time, considered Mozart s Divertimento No. 15 in B flat, K287 to be the finest divertimento ever written. We are excited to add Balanchine s Divertimento No. 15, created in 1956 for 16 dancers of New York City Ballet, to our repertoire in 2018, and are delighted to welcome Francia Russell, a celebrated interpreter and teacher of Balanchine s works, to New Zealand for the first time to stage this work for the RNZB. New Zealand choreographer Corey Baker s new work, tailor-made for dancers of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, completes this programme of New Zealand and world - premieres. PETITE MORT Choreography: Jiří Kylián Assistant to the choreographer: Stefan Zeromski / Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto in A major, K488, Piano Concerto in C major K467 / Costume design: Joke Visser / Set design: Jiří Kylián / Light design: Jiří Kylián (concept), Joop Caboort (realisation) / Video registration: Hans Knill / Technical adaptation (lights and set): Joost Biegelaar SECHS TÄNZE Choreography: Jiří Kylián Assistant to the choreographer: Stefan Zeromski / Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Deutsche Tänze K571 / Costume and set design: Jiří Kylián / Light design: Jiří Kylián (concept), Joop Caboort (realisation) / Video registration: Hans Knill / Technical adaptation (lights and set): Joost Biegelaar DIVERTIMENTO NO. 15 Choreography: George Balanchine The George Balanchine Trust / Repetiteur: Francia Russell / Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Divertimento No. 15 in B flat major, K287 / Design: Barbara Karinska / Orchestras: Orchestra Wellington, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra / Conductors: Marc Taddei (Wellington), Hamish McKeich (Christchurch and Auckland) NEW WORK Choreography/Design: Corey Baker Music: Duncan Grimley, after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Requiem in D minor K626 / Lighting Design: Paul O Brien WELLINGTON Opera House, 31 May 2 June LIVE With Orchestra Wellington CHRISTCHURCH Isaac Theatre Royal, 8-9 June LIVE With the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra INVERCARGILL Civic Theatre, 13 June DUNEDIN Regent Theatre, 16 June BLENHEIM ASB Theatre Marlborough, 20 June PALMERSTON NORTH Regent on Broadway, 23 June ROTORUA Civic Theatre, 27 June NAPIER Napier Municipal Theatre, 30 June 1 July AUCKLAND ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 6-8 July LIVE With the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra 10

8 STRENGTH & GRACE WOMEN AUGUST Opera House, Wellington 12 13

9 S T R E N G T H & G R A C E WOMEN We are proud to present a stunning perspective into the world of internationally acclaimed women dance makers in honour of the 125th anniversary of women s suffrage in New Zealand and our own 65th birthday. An evening in dance, inspired by significant anniversaries, is a creative incubator that will inspire memorable new works by celebrated contemporary choreographers from around the world. The Royal New Zealand Ballet marks both its own 65th birthday and the 125th anniversary of women s suffrage in New Zealand with a celebratory look to the future of dance. Dance can tell stories that transcend language. As the national ballet company for a young country, the Royal New Zealand Ballet has from its earliest days created and commissioned works which will resonate with audiences from our homeland, telling our own stories as well as those from abroad. In recognition of this significant year in our company s and our country s histories, we are inspired by both our past, the great women who have contributed to our nation s story, and by the many possibilities of dance making in the 21st century. Artistic Director Patricia Barker will curate a programme of specially commissioned works from some of the world s most exciting choreographers. Two performances at the Opera House, Wellington, will be complemented by talks and workshops, to inspire artists and audiences alike. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops. KATE SHEPPARD WELLINGTON Opera House, August 14

10 T H E N U T C R A C K E R THE RYMAN HEALTHCARE SEASON 31 OCTOBER 20 DECEMBER Wellington, Blenheim, Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Napier, Auckland, Rotorua

11 THE RYMAN HEALTHCARE SEASON OF T H E N U T C R A C K E R Christmas comes but once a year, and for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Christmas 2018 will be extra special, as we stage a national tour of The Nutcracker for the first time since Offering festive enchantment for all ages, this is a Christmas gift for all the family. The much-loved story begins on Christmas Eve as Clara is given a nutcracker doll by her mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer. Falling asleep on the sofa, she dreams a Christmas dream of magic and romance As the clock strikes midnight, the drawing room is transformed into a battleground. Skirmishes break out between toy soldiers, led by the brave Nutcracker, and the motley crew of mice who emerge from the shadows of the skirting boards. All seems lost, but clever Clara saves the day, and the handsome Nutcracker Prince sweeps her away on a snowy journey to the enchanted Marzipan Castle. Welcomed to the magical kingdom by the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her Prince are captivated by dances representing tea, coffee, chocolate, marzipan and flowers. The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy brings the entertainment to a climax in one of ballet s most beloved showpieces. As the night ends, Clara awakes on Christmas morning, knowing that the sweetest memories are made with those whom we love. WELLINGTON Opera House, 31 October 4 November LIVE With the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra BLENHEIM ASB Theatre Marlborough, 8-9 November INVERCARGILL Civic Theatre, 14 November DUNEDIN Regent Theatre, November LIVE With the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra CHRISTCHURCH Isaac Theatre Royal, November LIVE With the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra PALMERSTON NORTH Regent on Broadway, 28 November NAPIER Napier Municipal Theatre, 1-2 December AUCKLAND Civic Theatre, 6-9 December LIVE With the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra AUCKLAND Bruce Mason Centre, December ROTORUA Civic Theatre, December Choreography: Val Caniparoli Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Set design: Michael Auer and Andrew Lees Costume design: Assisted by Patricia Barker Lighting Design: tbc Orchestras: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Conductor: Hamish McKeich 18 19

12 T U T U S O N T O U R After the successful return of the RNZB s Tutus on Tour in 2017, we are delighted to continue bringing the magic of ballet to all corners of New Zealand in 2018, through our much-loved regional touring programme. Another seven regional centres will have the opportunity to see the dancers of the RNZB performing classical favourites and contemporary works, tailor-made for smaller venues, and suitable T U T U S for all ages. Working in partnership with our Community and Education O N T O U R programme, Tutus on Tour also gives local schools the chance to get up close to the RNZB with Ballet in a Box: learning about the dancers' training programme, watching them perform brief works, and then exploring their world via a Q&A session. In the evening, the dancers will present performances from the company s repertoire, in full costume. Repertoire may vary from centre to centre, and will be announced in advance of each mini-tour. Tutus on Tour is not part of the RNZB s 2018 subscription season; for booking dates and box office information please see rnzb.org.nz/tutus. Schools and teachers: To find out more about Ballet in a Box and other RNZB Education opportunities in your area, see rnzb.org.nz/education. GORE St James Theatre, 15 March TAURANGA Baycourt Theatre, 4 April OAMARU Oamaru Opera House, 17 June HAMILTON Clarence Street Theatre, 9 July TAUPO Great Lake Centre, 11 July WHANGANUI Royal Wanganui Opera house, 13 July KERIKERI The Turner Centre, 12 December 20

13 T H E H A R R Y H A Y T H O R N E C H O R E O G R A P H I C A W A R D New choreography is pure oxygen for any dance company. Creating a new work together can be an intoxicating voyage of discovery, and for some, the realisation of a long-held ambition. At the same time, the process of creation can bring a fresh appreciation of repertoire and technique, and the challenges and joys of capturing ideas in motion. From its earliest days, the RNZB has supported choreographers from within its ranks, with works by Cameron Macmillan, Andrew Simmons, Brendan Bradshaw and Catherine Eddy, Loughlan Prior and Shaun James Kelly, coming to the fore in recent years. The Harry Haythorne Choreographic Award, in memory of the RNZB s longest serving Artistic Director, Harry Haythorne MBE ( ) was inaugurated in Through Harry s personal generosity and that of his many friends and professional colleagues, the Award was established, with the support of the Ballet Foundation of New Zealand Trust, to provide opportunities for emerging choreographers to take first steps, creating a short work for studio performance by dancers of the RNZB. Details of the 2018 Harry Haythorne Choreographic Award, including entry criteria and performance dates, will be announced in 2018, via rnzb.org.nz

14 R O Y A L N E W Z E A L A N D B A L L E T E D U C A T I O N Increase your knowledge Enhance your enjoyment Learn and be inspired FOR AUDIENCES AND COMMUNITIES At performances Get the most out of your trip to the ballet with Warm Up, Curtain Up (gold coin entry), free post-matinee Q&A sessions with dancers and pre-performance talks. Dates for all centres are marked in the performance listings on page 32. All year round Visit the website, sign up for our e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook for updates including community events, open days and more. There s something for everyone. Look out for our open day at Te Papa, taking you behind the scenes of rehearsals for one of 2018's productions and for our participation in Auckland Live's Pick & Mix. FOR SCHOOLS Let us come to you, with our RNZB Educator offering tailor-made curriculum-linked workshops to primary and secondary schools throughout New Zealand. Comprehensive NCEA Dance and other great classroom resources are also available. Make the most of discounted RNZB tickets or attend special schools-only matinees. RNZB Education is also proud to be involved with the MOOVIT Dance Project, an innovative collaboration bringing the arts to New Zealand schools, in partnership with Onehunga High School. FOR DANCERS AND DANCE TEACHERS Pursue your dreams with open classes for aspiring dancers taught by RNZB artistic staff and company members. Ballet for Boys classes give male students a special chance to learn from male teachers, including members of the RNZB. Dedicated senior students can also apply to the RNZB s national mentor programme, pairing talented students with company dancers for a year of insight and support. Deepen your knowledge in 2018: dance teachers will again have the opportunity to take part in professional development seminars and with their students, observe the RNZB s company classes on stage. Find out more: visit rnzb.org.nz/education or contact Education and Community Manager, Pascale Parenteau: pascale@rnzb.org.nz / RNZB Education gratefully acknowledges additional support from the Rātā Foundation, the Four Winds Foundation and the Les and Sonia Andrews Cultural Foundation for work with New Zealand schools

15 J O I N T H E D A N C E Fall in love with dance and enjoy the thrill of a lifetime of involvement with the RNZB. Your 2018 subscription is just the first step. We invite you to come closer to the RNZB and enhance your experience through a range of opportunities. COME CLOSER Enhance your enjoyment of ballet through pre-show talks, community events and other engaging activities offered by the RNZB Education Programme. rnzb.org.nz/education MAKE IT HAPPEN Influence the success of your national ballet company by making a charitable gift today, and take pride in helping the RNZB excel throughout rnzb.org.nz/support PARTNER A DANCER See ballet through new eyes by partnering a dancer and supporting excellence in our international company of artists a wonderful opportunity for individuals or organisations to invest in the living arts. rnzb.org.nz/partners BE A FRIEND Become a Friend or Young Friend of the RNZB and join the activities of an independent organisation dedicated to supporting the RNZB and sharing dance with members of all ages. rnzb.org.nz/friends BE OUR PARTNER Begin a dynamic corporate partnership with the arts and join the exceptional cast of your national ballet company. rnzb.org.nz/sponsors INVEST IN THE FUTURE Include a gift to the Ballet Foundation of New Zealand in your will and support ballet for future generations to enjoy. balletfoundation.org.nz STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY Create solutions through trust and foundation grants, and share the joy of dance with Kiwis across the country. rnzb.org.nz/trusts Join our supporter programmes with your subscription form now or get in touch to talk about deepening your connection to the RNZB. Visit to find out more

16 T H E C O M M I T M E N T O F O U R S U P P O R T I N G C A S T Our loyal subscribers, our special family of Friends and Dress Circle supporters, and the incredible team of corporate sponsors, trusts and funding bodies who work with us. THIS IS YOUR SEASON. THIS IS YOUR COMPANY. THANK YOU. If you would like to become part of the RNZB s family of supporters and invest in bringing your national ballet company to all New Zealanders, please contact Diane Field, Corporate Development Manager, on rnzb.org.nz/get-involved SPONSORS SUPPORTED BY MAJOR MEDIA PARTNER NATIONAL TOURING PARTNER KEY COMMUNITY PARTNER TELECOMMUNICATIONS PARTNER WELLINGTON PARTNER SEASON SPONSOR PERSONAL SUPPORTERS SUPPORT FROM TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS MAJOR SUPPORTERS Les and Sonia Andrews Cultural Foundation 28 29

17 S U B S C R I B E I N A subscriber, or season ticket holder, is a patron who buys tickets in advance for at least two RNZB productions in a given year. Subscribers are incredibly valuable supporters of the RNZB and play a central role in helping us achieve our goals keeping the RNZB onstage and on the road. If you love ballet and want to see everything the RNZB has to offer, then becoming a subscriber is the perfect choice for you and your family. SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS Buy tickets to two more productions at the same time and you ll receive: 20% discount on full priced tickets Priority Booking Period : Subscribe early and get first access to the best seats in the house before they go on sale to the general public Complimentary Programmes: one programme voucher will be supplied with every two tickets purchased Discount on further ticket purchases: An additional 15% discount on full priced tickets bought after your initial subscription purchase The flexible payment option: Make smaller payments towards the cost of your subscription FAQs Who can become a subscriber? Anyone can become a subscriber. Subscription tickets are available at both adult and child prices and are perfect for anyone who wants to see multiple shows at a discounted price. How much does a subscription cost? Our subscription tickets start as low as $28* for an adult and $20* for a child (*depending on your desired venue). Plus don t forget about your flexible payment option. Can I purchase a subscription across different venues? You can certainly purchase a subscription that covers different venues. Please contact the RNZB prior to submitting your subscription form to discuss your requirements (additional fees may apply). KEY DATES FOR SUBSCRIBERS 25 SEPT OCT OCT NOV FEB 2018 Booking opens for subscriptions from current and new Dress Circle supporters and donors at this level or above Booking opens for 2017 subscribers purchasing subscriptions for 2018 Booking opens for new subscribers for 2018 Public sales open for all performances in all centres Curtain goes up on the first performance of

18 S U B S C R I B E I N BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE TO AT LEAST TWO RNZB PRODUCTIONS IN 2018 AND RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING RNZB BENEFITS 20% 15% DISCOUNT ON FIRST ACCESS DISCOUNT ON FULL PRICED TO THE BEST FURTHER TICKET TICKETS SEATS PURCHASES $ FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS Flap - subs intro i THE LATEST INFORMATION COMPLIMENTARY PROGRAMMES HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Fill out a subscription form (if you do not have one you can easily download a form at rnzb.org.nz/ subscribe). Send it back to us: By mail: RNZB Subscriptions, Royal New Zealand Ballet, PO Box 27050, Wellington 6141 By fax: By Scan and your form to subscribe@rnzb.org.nz OR Visit your local box office OR Phone your local subscriptions sales team - we ve listed their numbers in our pricing table enclosed. Make memories with loved ones by purchasing subscriptions as a group with family and friends. Subscriptions also make great gifts for the special people in your life. Have questions about becoming a subscriber? Get in touch with us by phone on DANCE ( ) or send us an at subscribe@rnzb.org.nz

19 ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET (04) or DANCE ( ) subscribe@rnzb.org.nz St James Theatre Courtenay Place Wellington 6011 New Zealand PO Box Wellington 6141 New Zealand RNZB.ORG.NZ