French ballet given Aussie twist in comic tale

Classical French ballet Coppélia has been given an Aussie twist in Queensland Ballet’s adaptation of the comic tale.

The new version by Greg Horsman draws inspiration from Australia’s rich migrant history.

Originally debuting in Paris in 1870, the story centres on Dr Coppélius, a German migrant who tries to recreate his lost daughter with a life-size dancing doll.

One of the youths in the village, Franz, becomes infatuated with it and promptly drops his lover Swanhilda, who becomes so jealous she dresses as the doll and ultimately saves him from an untimely end.

Mr Horsman seamlessly merges the classical essence with an Australian aesthetic set against the charming backdrop of 19th century Handorf, South Australia.

“Setting the ballet in Handoff gave me the capacity to elaborate on Dr Coppelius’ character,” he said.

Handoff is classified as Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and is a popular tourist destination located in the Adelaide Hills.

“Coppélia is a light-hearted mischievous ballet, that will charm audiences of all ages,” Mr Horsman said.

The ballet transcends the classical, incorporating film projection, storytelling theatre, and pantomime, with a playful nod to Australian fashion of the time.

Mr. Horsman acknowledged Coppélia’s popularity in the classical repertoire, while expressing the need to bring an Australian context to Queensland audiences.

He said the production was especially important to him because it was one of the first full-length ballets he performed in a lead role.

Coppélia is at the Playhouse Theatre, QPAC, from 7-22 June 2024. For more information and to secure your tickets, click here.

Creatives

Greg Horsman

Choreographer (after Arthur Saint-Léon & Marius Petipa)

Léo Delibes

Music

Nigel Gaynor

Music Arranger and Conductor

Noelene Hill

Costume Designer

Hugh Colman