Originally planned for Queensland Ballet’s (QB) 60th anniversary season, but postponed because of the pandemic, Greg Horsman’s modern interpretation of the popular tale, Peter and the Wolf, finally opened at the new Talbot Theatre at the Thomas Dixon Centre on August 18.
With a score composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936 to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra, the ballet was recreated by Horsman in homage to Charles Lisner’s 1960s version of the popular tale. It was, back then, a popular addition for children to the seasons of both QB and the New Zealand Ballet, and so it’s quite fitting that it should be reinstated to the Queensland company’s repertoire.
Horsman has extended the original 25 minutes to about 60 minutes, with a preamble performed to another suite of short pieces by Prokofiev that cleverly sets up the main drama. Created on the QB Pre-Professional Program dancers, it is a terrific vehicle for them to hone their dramatic skills.
Costumes by Noelene Hill, a very creative set designed by Josh McIntosh, and lighting by Ben Hughes add to the visual dynamism. The score is played live by students from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, and the whole ballet is tied neatly together with a narration by Hugh Parker.
It’s a children’s ballet, but the child in all of us older folk should also find much to enjoy.
The season runs until Saturday August 27.
Did you go in our ticket giveaway to 'Peter and the Wolf'? It's closed now, but we have a new giveaway to the Royal Czech Ballet. Just click the link and enter!