Australian Ballet goes Wilde

"Genius. Prisoner. Icon. Oscar Wilde has been a compelling figure throughout history. Adored for his writings yet vilified for his sexuality, Wilde remains ever present in the cultural zeitgeist. Devoted father and husband, Oscar is cast into the world of the social elite as his writings and wit allow him entry into the exclusive circles of 19th-century aristocracy.  

"A fascinating story about one of the world’s most loved storytellers, Oscar draws parallels between the artist and the art, discerning that both are intricately and eternally entwined, and demonstrating that great art has the capacity to live on beyond the artist."

Thus reads an extract from the synopsis for the Australian Ballet's bold new work for 2024: Oscar, David Hallberg's first full-length commission since his appointment as Artistic Director in 2021.

The ballet brings together the proven collaborative team of Christopher Wheeldon and composer Jody Talbot (who also brought the highly popular Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to the ballet stage) and costume designer Jean-Marc Puissant, with costumes and sets meticulously created on-site at at the Ballet Centre in Melbourne.

Raised in Dublin, Wilde took the glamorous social circles of London's elite by storm. His fame was at its height when he was convicted and sent to prison in 1895 in an early instance of the "celebrity trial". Taking inspiration from two of Oscar Wilde’s beloved stories, the ballet will weave Wilde’s real-life triumphs and trials with his  imaginary stories, The Nightingale and the Rose and The Picture of Dorian Gray.

“There’s no denying that any full-length creation by Christopher Wheeldon is an immense artistic moment for the industry, and I’m thrilled that Wheeldon has selected The Australian Ballet to premiere this striking new work,"  Hallberg says. "This production will offer audiences a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey into the world of one of history's most iconic literary figures. Oscar will be a treat for both ballet enthusiasts and admirers of Oscar Wilde's literary legacy.

“The story of Oscar Wilde and his tales exemplifies the bold storytelling we aim for within this company, making this commission a one-of-a-kind coup for our repertoire,” he adds.

The season runs from September 13 to 24 at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, then from November 8 to 23 at the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House. 

For more information, go here.