Sweet RNZB smash-hit returns for Christmas
ROYAL NEW ZEALAND BALLET SMASH-HIT RETURNS FOR SWEET PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Faint starlight peeps through the dark forest canopy. It is midnight: the witching hour. Alone and lost, two hungry children stumble towards a glowing vision of warmth and comfort, heaven for any child with an empty belly and an aching heart. But all is not as it seems…
Following a triumphant world premiere in 2019, the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s (RNZB) acclaimed Hansel & Gretel returns in time for Christmas 2023. Choreographer Loughlan Prior, with composer Claire Cowan and designer Kate Hawley, created a magical world with delectable characters in their charming interpretation of the classic fairy tale. The premiere enchanted more than 27,000 New Zealanders in theatres in 2019, with 150,000 Kiwis tuning in to watch the production online in 2020 via the RNZB’s free ‘Live In Your Living Room’ broadcasts.
Royal New Zealand Ballet Acting Artistic Director David McAllister says, “It is such a thrill to finish the year with this most delightful and cautionary tale told with such wit and glamour. Every element - dance, music and design – come together in a show that dazzles from beginning to end. It is a sumptuous way for the Royal New Zealand Ballet to close our 70th anniversary year; showcasing the array of talent across every bit of this production. A feast for every sense to enjoy as we prepare for the festive season.”
Of the work and its evolution, choreographer Loughlan Prior says, “"The chance to bring Hansel & Gretel back to the stage this year is an immense treat. Revisiting this character driven production provides so many wonderful roles for the artists of the RNZB to sink their teeth into, and I’m really looking forward to working with a new generation of dancers to bring this delicious production to life!”
With the original production, composer Claire Cowan became the first woman to compose a full-length score for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. One review described her music as a “star of the night” and “a triumph”. Critics said similarly effusive things about Cowan’s 2022 Cinderella score – her second full length ballet for the company. To be swept away in truly beautiful original composition at the ballet is a unique and inspiring experience for people of all ages.
The design, by set and costume designer Kate Hawley whose film work includes Crimson Peak, Edge of Tomorrow and Mortal Engines, is the ultimate in eye-candy. A sinister chorus line of pink-iced gingerbread men; fantastical fairies; an elegant, wistful Sand Man; and a terrifying ice-cream witch who may or may not throw the children in her outrageously oversized oven are just a taste of the visual delights.
Laughter, tears, spine shivers, plenty of sugar and a touch of spice are the recipe for a delightful night at the ballet, for all ages and stages.
Hansel & Gretel will travel to Wellington, Napier, Palmerston North, Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland and Takapuna from 26 October to 19 December.
For further information, images and interviews, please contact Siobhan Waterhouse, Publicist, on +64 22 126 4149 or siobhan.waterhouse@rnzb.org.nz
“It is a dazzling production filled with inventive choreography and design which create many magical moments.” – Stuff
Hansel and Gretel is a wonderful production with imaginative choreography and a creative team at the top of their game.”- Stuff
“It is the perfect ballet and production for the pre-Christmas audience of all ages.” - Theatreview
“The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel has all the right ingredients for a seasonal treat.” – Dancing Times
SEASON INFO
WELLINGTON, 26 - 29 OCTOBER
ST JAMES THEATRE
NAPIER, 3 - 4 NOVEMBER
MUNICIPAL THEATRE
PALMERSTON NORTH, 10 NOVEMBER
REGENT ON BROADWAY
INVERCARGILL, 15 NOVEMBER
CIVIC THEATRE
DUNEDIN, 18 NOVEMBER
REGENT THEATRE
CHRISTCHURCH, 23 - 25 NOVEMBER
ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL
AUCKLAND, 30 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER
KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE, AOTEA CENTRE
TAKAPUNA, 8 - 9 DECEMBER
BRUCE MASON CENTRE
The Royal New Zealand Ballet
The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB), the national ballet company of Aotearoa, was founded in 1953 by Danish dancer Poul Gnatt, as a touring professional ballet company for all New Zealanders. Based in Wellington, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s national heritage and has one of the largest followings of all New Zealand performing arts companies. The Royal New Zealand Ballet continues to invest in live music, performing wherever possible with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. The RNZB enjoys a reputation for strong and unique interpretations of full-length dramatic works. The company has an enviable track record in commissioning new works from New Zealand and international choreographers.
2023 marks twenty years of RNZB Education, a year-round programme of events for schools, young dancers, ballet schools, and including prisons, which, since it began, has been experienced by hundreds of thousands of Kiwis of all ages. In the last ten years alone, RNZB Education has presented more than 4,000 in-person events, almost all free or low-cost, with more than 30,000 people now participating every year. Digital events have added hugely to this number, with more than 36,000 primary school children, through more than 400 teachers, accessing the Step Online digital dance resource in the first six months of 2022.