West Australian Ballet’s 2018 season is titled “Pure”. WAB artistic director Aurélien Scannella explains, “Season 2018 will be a raw and pure experience for the audiences that will emotionally have highs and lows. It will be beautiful and honest. I’m excited for the audience to come on this artistic journey with the Company”.
In keeping with WAB tradition the season kicks off with "Ballet at the Quarry", the 2018 theme being “Milky Way”. Presented as part of the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF), the program of four short works will be headlined by Milky Way – River of Stars, a collaboration between the Gary Lang NT Dance Company and West Australian Ballet. This work tells the story of the coming together of two Indigenous nations through Lang’s adoptive mother. Her original Yolngu story is about two fishermen, whose spirits journey from sea to sky. Traditional Indigenous music used in the work will be presented by renowned Australian opera singer Deborah Cheetham AO.
Also on the program is Les Indomptés, by French choreographer Claude Brumachon, an energetic duo for two men requiring the dancers to rediscover their animal instincts and find ecstasy within the moment. Another French choreographer, Patrick Delcroix, will also collaborate with WAB for the first time to create a new piece for this season. Last but not least, WAB’s Demi-Soloist Christopher Hill will create a duet for two women, entitled Ghost Gum.
Following "Ballet at the Quarry" one of the world’s oldest surviving ballets, and a cornerstone of romantic ballet, La Sylphide will take to His Majesty’s stage. Originally performed in Copenhagen in 1836, this fairytale tells the story of an impossible love between a human and a spirit, and man’s inherent temptation of the unknown. The ballet will remain true to August Bournonville’s original version under the direction of Bournonville specialist Dinna Bjørn.
In June, WAB again hosts "Genesis" at its Maylands Ballet Centre. Genesis is an experimental mini-season of short works designed to show the creative talent of West Australian Ballet dancers.
WAB’s second season at His Majesty’s Theatre will see choreographer Krzysztof Pastor, return to Perth to create a new world premiere, Dracula. This neo-classical adaption of Bram Stoker’s famous novel sees the title character, a lonely vampire, initiate a reign of terror in order to reunite with his lost love, Mina. Dracula will take the audience on an emotional journey illustrating the battle between darkness and love.
Christmas tradition continues in 2018 when The Nutcracker returns, after a sell-out season in 2016. The Nutcracker sees Clara sets out on a journey filled with colourful characters and majestic scenery.
In addition to the main-stage performance seasons, WAB will travel to regional Western Australia and engage with dance schools across the state. The company will also present a suite of public offerings including Vernissage, Open Fridays, Great Leaps along with philanthropy events, education and outreach programs, and adult ballet classes for all skill levels.
For more info head to https://waballet.com.au/
