Australian Ballet School flutters to Sydney
Following its successful premiere in Melbourne last year, the Australian Ballet School is taking its new ballet, Butterfly, to Sydney in June. A modern fairytale told through movement, Butterfly features 60 full-time students as well as a special guest artist in the character role of the teacher – David McAllister AC, the former artistic director of the Australian Ballet and luminary of the School.
Choreographed by former graduate Lucas Jervies and created in the studios of the Australian Ballet School, Butterfly blends themes of realism and magic with classic and contemporary techniques. Designed to appeal to all ages, the production transports audiences to another world through the transformative sets and costumes by revered designer Hugh Colman.
“I’m honoured to have this opportunity to create for these young artists, who are now in the position I was in 24 years ago at the Australian Ballet School," says Jervies. "This production is a full circle story particularly with David McAllister in a guest role – himself also a graduate . . . Reflection and journey are the heart of Butterfly. For me, the metaphor of the butterfly – to transform – is infinite. It doesn’t happen just once or twice. It’s a constantly evolving process, one that we must always strive for. To be better, kinder, smarter.”
Set to the joyous score Le Papillon (The Butterfly) by Jacques Offenbach, Butterfly is a tale that follows a young boy who vies for the attention of the smartest girl in school. On an excursion to the butterfly enclosure at the zoo, they immerse themselves in the kingdom of butterflies, momentarily forgetting the world outside and embarking on a magical journey.
Lisa Pavane, Director of the ABS says, ". . . The butterfly is the perfect metaphor to be explored and performed by our transforming young artists-in-training under the guidance of not only one but two of the ABS’s exceptional alumni.”
'Butterfly' will run from June 16-18 at The Concourse. For more info, go here.