Queensland Ballet will premiere Greg Horsman’s Coppelia on Thursday 24 April at the Playhouse, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
Whilst sticking to the original storyline, in which the eccentric Dr Coppelius invents Coppelia, a life-like doll, who causes comic chaos between two young lovers, Franz and Swanilda, Horsman’s version is set in the small Australian town of Hahdorf, in the late nineteenth century. "I have great respect and affection for traditional ballet productions, but I think it's important to give them a context that relates to our communities and audiences," says Horsman. "I began by looking at setting the story in a different place and period to the original setting. I also wanted to give Dr. Coppelius' character more context and background, and give him a reason for creating this life-like doll. In the scenario I have created, Dr Coppelius’ daughter tragically dies at sea during their journey to migrate from Germany to Australia. In his sadness and mourning, Dr Coppelius attempts to recreate his lost daughter through a life-like doll."
Check out our gallery of behind-the-scenes and rehearsal shots below!
Coppelia
Queensland Ballet
24 April – 10 May
QPAC
www.queenslandballet.com.au
Book tickets to Queensland Ballet’s Coppelia by Tuesday 22 April for your chance to win The Churchill Afternoon Tea at Shingle Inn for you and three guests. Shingle Inn’s Churchill Afternoon Tea includes a traditional high tea with served with Pol Roger Brut 2002 Vintage French Champagne. Please note this competition is run by Queensland Ballet - please direct any enquiries to QB.
Above and below:
Clare Morehen & Paul Boyd rehearse Swanilda & Dr Coppelius
Above: One of Franz's costumes
Below: Soloist Yu Hui rehearsing Franz
Above: Meng Ningning & Emilio Pavan rehearsing Swanilda and Franz.
Below: Rian Thompson rehearsing Franz
Below: Coppelia tutu
