It’s your last chance to catch Queensland Ballet’s Coppélia this week and the reviews have been glowing.
Not just for the dancers and sets, but because this iconically Aussie adaptation by choreographer Greg Horsman has given new depth and understanding to the story.
A review by Denise Richardson in Dance Australia said Horsman had “cleverly added a prologue that gives a back-story to the otherwise implausible Coppélia plot.”
“While maintaining the ballet’s charm, his interpretation infuses the 19th century classic with a fresh relevance and a distinctly Australian flavour that still captivates.”
She went on to say the company was in fine form technically, but more importantly in telling the story.
“Chiara Gonzalez gave a convincing performance as the vivacious, feisty Swanilda, conquering the many technical challenges of the role…She was well-matched by Patricio Reve as the flirtatious Franz…Reve is also technically assured with spongy balloon and needle-sharp, impeccably controlled turns.”
An Australian Arts Review article by Michele-Rose Boylan said Horsman’s in-depth knowledge of the ballet as a dancer and choreographer was evident.
“It’s clear that he has thought through the whole story in its entirety,” she said.
“The storyline in this delightful production is so strong, so dominant and so well told that the ballet, score and orchestra all merged together in my mind. Where has Coppélia been for the past decade? This production should be widely shared.”
Coppélia is at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC, until June 22, 2024. For more information and to secure your tickets, click here.
