Ballet Preljocaj Returns with Swan Lake for QPAC’s 40th Anniversary
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has unveiled an electrifying addition to its 40th anniversary celebrations—an exclusive Australian season of Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake. From 31 May to 7 June 2025, the Lyric Theatre will host this avant-garde adaptation as part of the prestigious QPAC International Series.
Founded in 1985 by renowned French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, Ballet Preljocaj has continually redefined the boundaries of contemporary ballet. Returning to QPAC after the sold-out success of Snow White in 2016, the company now presents Swan Lake with a dystopian twist. Preljocaj’s vision juxtaposes corporate greed against environmental purity, casting Siegfried as the son of a wealthy property developer and Odette as an eco-warrior. Together, they battle the industrialist Rothbart in a narrative that resonates with modern environmental and societal challenges.
While Preljocaj draws on elements of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s classic choreography, his interpretation retains only a shadow of tradition. Featuring a compact runtime of under two hours without an interval, this Swan Lake is designed for the contemporary stage. The reimagined score merges Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic music with extracts from his symphonic works and futuristic house music by Studio 79D, performed live by Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Johannes Fritzsch.
The visual storytelling is equally groundbreaking, with costumes by Igor Chapurin, video design by Boris Labbé, and lighting by Éric Soyer. Scenes shift seamlessly from penthouse raves to serene lakes, enveloping the audience in an immersive exploration of fragility and resilience. The Chroniques de danse has described the production as a masterclass in “dizzying dance and inventive choreography.”
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas expressed his enthusiasm for Ballet Preljocaj’s return, emphasizing the company’s innovative approach to classical narratives. “This is a Swan Lake for modern times—without a pointe shoe in sight—but it delivers all the spectacle, virtuosity, and depth audiences expect from this beloved ballet,” said Kotzas. “As we celebrate 40 years of QPAC, this exclusive season is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the world’s best performing arts.”
Since 2009, the QPAC International Series has featured many of the world’s finest companies from the United States, England, Cuba, Germany, Russia, France, and Italy. The series has been a way to engage in a creative, cultural, and intellectual exchange between communities from different countries and the various diasporas that make up contemporary Australia. Preljocaj’s Swan Lake continues this legacy, offering Australian audiences an unmissable cultural experience.
Ballet Preljocaj’s founder, Angelin Preljocaj, expressed his excitement about the Australian premiere: “We fondly remember the enthusiasm Brisbane had for Snow White. I hope audiences will embrace this contemporary version of Swan Lake. Performing live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra will make this an unforgettable experience.”
The exclusive season also underscores Queensland’s growing reputation as a cultural tourism hub. Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch highlighted the significance of hosting internationally acclaimed companies like Ballet Preljocaj. “This extraordinary production will attract audiences nationwide, leaving a lasting impression while boosting the state’s economy,” she said.
