We mark the beginning of our eighth decade with a collection of works which celebrate the endless possibilities of light, space and the human body – the essence and wonder of dance.
Created for this special moment, we are honoured to present a new work by Moss Te Ururangi Patterson. Inspired by haka and powered by the strength of the men of the RNZB, this will be a striking, and lasting addition to the RNZB’s repertoire and one which we hope will resonate around the world as well as in Aotearoa. Serenade (1934) was first staged for the then-New Zealand Ballet by the late Una Kai in 1975 and holds a special place in the hearts of generations of dancers, here, and around the world. Plotless, yet somehow laden with meaning and unspoken narratives, Serenade fills the stage with exquisite movement and deep emotion. Patricia Barker is delighted to restage Serenade, as a celebration of the joy of ballet, to mark this special anniversary.
The second half of this generous programme of dance features two New Zealand premieres by choreographers making waves in the international dance world. Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa will stage her Requiem for a Rose, created for Pennsylvania Ballet in 2009 as an exploration of love, romantic and idealized, versus lasting and real. Hearts beat fast as love blooms into intoxicating rapture, but will passion endure?
As a final embodiment of the spirit of dance, the RNZB is proud to offer Logos by company alumna Alice Topp (Aurum, Absence of Light), created for The Australian Ballet in 2020. Logos will transport viewers to a world of pure physicality, borne aloft by mesmerizing music and audacious design. Inspired by the storms that we all weather – fears, fights, darkness and demons – Logos ends with clarity, purpose, and hope for the future.
Lighting & Visual Effects
This production will involve the use of strobe lighting, projections, haze, and atmospheric effects, and may not be appropriate for those with epilepsy or light sensitivity.
If you have any questions or are unable to attend under these conditions, please contact subscribe@rnzb.org.nz.
