Once upon a time in an enchanted kingdom, a princess was born. Blessed by fairies, Aurora grew into a beautiful young woman, protected by everyone who loved her from the evil beyond the castle walls. On her sixteenth birthday, Aurora’s world was shattered by the malevolent Carabosse, but, saved from certain death by the kindly Lilac Fairy, she and her kingdom slept for a hundred years, until woken by a brave and handsome prince. Restored to life and health, Aurora and her prince ruled over the kingdom with wisdom and kindness, in a happy golden age of love and beauty.
The Sleeping Beauty is the quintessential classical ballet. The grandest of fairy tales, luxuriating in Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous orchestral score, it spills over with fairies, woodland sprites, handsome princes and, at its heart, an enchanting princess. This new Sleeping Beauty will unfurl like a fragrant summer rose, with all the radiance and joy that any ballet lover, young or old, could wish for.
For Christmas 2020, we are delighted to present a magical new production by Australian choreographer Danielle Rowe, with beautiful traditional costumes designed by Spanish dancer-turned-designer Dores Andre and sets by master designer Howard C Jones, creator of the RNZB’s much-loved production of Giselle.
All the hallmarks of the fairy tale classic will feature, including the iconic 'Rose Adagio' in Act I and a spectacular wedding celebration, with grand pas de deux, in Act III. RNZB Principal Conductor Hamish McKeich will conduct the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for performances at The Aotea Centre, and there will be a special recording for performances at the Bruce Mason Centre.
Share the joy of a timeless classic with the young and young at heart next Christmas.
Artistic credits:
Choreography - Danielle Rowe, after Marius Petipa
Music - Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Orchestra - Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Conductor - Hamish McKeich
Costume design - Dores Andre
Set design - Howard C Jones
Lighting design - Randall G Chiarelli
Dramaturgy - Michael Auer
The RNZB offers an Audio Described performance for vision-impaired patrons at The Sleeping Beauty matinee on Sunday 6 December, 3pm. For more information contact RNZB Education, Community & Accessibility Manager Pascale Parenteau on pascale@rnzb.org.nz or 021 678 521
