Shanghai Ballet presents 'Lady of the Camellias'

The Queensland Ballet is about to present Derek Deane OBE's The Lady of the Camellias by Shanghai Ballet, in a season exclusive to Brisbane.

Featuring sumptuous choreography, exquisite set designs and elegant costumes, this compelling production was created by distinguished British choreographer Derek Deane OBE. The music is by American composer Carl Davis.

The Shanghai Ballet was founded more than 40 years ago and is a sister company to the Queensland Ballet. This Australian visit is in reciprocation of the SB's hosting of the QB on its tour of China in 2019. The Shanghai Ballet has a repertoire of classic and contemporary ballets and Chinese historical dance dramas. Former Artistic Director Li Cunxin invited the company to appear in 2020, not long after the Lady of Camellia's 2019 premiere, but it was forced to cancel because of the Covid19 pandemic.

Based on the landmark 1848 novel by French author Alexandre Dumas fils, this tale of forbidden love and tragedy has inspired countless stage, operatic and film productions, including the musical Moulin Rouge!, and Verdi’s opera La Traviata. 

The story follows Marguerite Gautier, regarded as the most beautiful and brazen courtesan in all of Paris, who is never seen without her favourite flowers. She discovers and falls in love with Armand, a young and handsome bourgeois, and embarks on a passionate romance. 

For this production the company will be joined by international ballet star Ivan Gil-Ortega, a former principal dancer of the Dutch National and Stuttgart Ballet companies who is now a sought after judge and coach. The Spanish-born dancer will portray the role of the father of Armand Duval.

Derek Deane’s 'The Lady of the Camellias' performed by Shanghai Ballet will run from December 5 to 8 of December, 2024, at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.