After his century-long sleep, the irrepressible Harlequin is wide awake and ready to charm ballet lovers of all ages.
A lively love story based on commedia dell’arte, Harlequinade was created in 1900 by Marius Petipa, who choreographed some of classical ballet’s most enduring works, including Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. Working with the original notation of Petipa’s choreography, Alexei Ratmansky, former director of the Bolshoi Ballet and artist in residence at American Ballet Theatre, has produced a loving and humorous revival.
Harlequin and Columbine are in love, but her father, who wants her to marry a rich buffoon, has her locked up by Pierrot, his loyal servant. Pierrot’s wife, sympathetic to the young couple, helps her escape, and a Good Fairy gives Harlequin a magical slap stick that helps him triumph over the odds and win Columbine’s hand in marriage.
The melodic, lilting score is by Riccardo Drigo, a close collaborator of Tchaikovsky’s; the sets and costumes were created by Robert Perdziola, based on a close study of the 1900 originals, which are held at a museum in St Petersburg.
Harlequinade is a co-production of American Ballet Theatre and The Australian Ballet.
1hr 40min (incl interval)
17th June, 2022
25th June, 2022
The venue is wheelchair accessible. An Assistive Hearing system is available. Assistance Animals are welcome in all areas of Arts Centre Melbourne and water bowls are available on request.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY CAR: The Arts Centre Melbourne undercover car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The car park entrance is located at 4 Sturt Street. It is housed underneath the Theatres Building – a 5 minute walk (outside) to Hamer Hall or a 10 minute walk along St Kilda Rd to Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The car park is a cash-free facility, so please make sure you have a valid credit or debit card before entering.
BY TRAIN: The closest train station to all venues is Flinders Street Station. Exit the station onto Swanston Street, turn your back on the city and walk across Princes Bridge.
BY TRAM: The tram routes that stop in front of Arts Centre Melbourne are: 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72. This stop is number 14 – “Arts Precinct"
BY BICYCLE: Bicycle lanes run north and south along St Kilda Road. On-street bicycle hoops are available outside Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building (under the Spire)
"Joy reigns supreme in Ratmansky’s new Harlequinade" - Observer
“At American Ballet Theatre in New York, Alexei Ratmansky and I brought the sad, languid clown Pierrot to life through the notations of Petipa’s ballet. To resurrect from the archives a ballet by one of dance’s greatest creators was something I cherished, and I look forward to passing the experience on to the artists who will perform the role here in Australia.” David Hallberg (Artistic Director)
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Staging and additional choreography: Alexei Ratmansky
Assisted by: Tatiana Ratmansky
Music: Riccardo Drigo
Scenery and costume designs: Robert Perdziola inspired by Orest Allegri and Ivan Vsevolozhsky
Lighting design: Brad Fields
With Orchestra Victoria
Harlequinade is a co-production of American Ballet Theatre and The Australian Ballet.
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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