Jarryd madden dancing with leanne stojmenov in nutcracker the story of clara. Nutcracker the story of clara ballet the australian. Graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker masterfully weaves. From looking at birth of dance in australia to learning how weve embraced cultures around the world, watch to discover the tale that murphy has created around our nutcracker the story of clara. Graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker. The production challenges its audience to think and learn something of the history of russian ballet and how that tradition influenced ballet in australia. Dec 03, 2019 the australian ballets nutcracker tones down the yellowface and its a relief millie roberts after complaints in melbourne and adelaide, the offending scene is amended in sydney. The late kristian fredriksons set and costume designs are a big part of this productions appeal but its biggest strength is the way in which it blends the historical with the personal telling clara. Experience the worlds most famous ballet live on stage in a spellbinding production of the nutcracker created especially for children aged three and up. May 08, 2017 jarryd madden and dimity azoury continue their rise through to the ranks of the australian ballet with a new promotion from soloist to senior artist.
Graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and a. West australian ballet west australian ballet the nutcracker. Jun 02, 2017 designs by the revered kristian fredrikson powerfully evoke claras world, from the shimmer of an australian summer to the glamour of tsarist russia. An elderly former ballerina star recalls her life, including her early ballet training, relationships, and professional career. The ballet is the story of clara, once a famous russian ballerina, who first came to australia in the 1940s. Loosely based on the reallife experiences of numerous russian dancers who came to call australia home, its far more accessible than the. Nutcracker the story of clara departs from the whimsical original to tell a story grounded in realworld events and the history of ballet in australia. Its christmas in june with graeme murphys much loved nutcracker the story of clara back on stage. May 09, 2017 the australian ballet, sydney opera house, may 2. Through choreographic storytelling, murphy has created a ballet masterpiece that strongly lives on 25 years later. The nutcracker the story of clara is a graeme murphy and australian ballet production based on tchaikovskyis score. The story of clara melbourne the australian ballet presents nutcracker the story of clara an epic contemporary vision of ballets favourite tale graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker, like his swan lake, masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and. Nutcracker the story of clara the australian ballet. The australian ballet in graeme murphys nutcracker.
The australian ballet nutcracker the story of clara murphys radical retelling is an epic aussie vision of ballets favourite tale graeme murphys interpretation of the classic story of the nutcracker the story of clara is a joyful celebration of ballet, a deeply moving life story, and an affectionately humorous depiction. Nutcracker the story of clara the music the australian ballet. The story of clara, in which children boys in black. Dec 04, 2019 tab has two versions of nutcracker in its repertoire. What were the artistic or technical challenges faced by the artists who produced nutcracker the story of clara. The australian ballet in graeme murphys magical nutcracker. This gumnutcracker, made especially for the australian ballet, celebrates its 25th birthday in 2017 and is set to wow a new generation of audiences. I want to give special mention to the magnificent orchestra, conducted by nicolette fraillon. Whats more, it speaks directly to us here in australia. The australian ballet performs graeme murphys nutcracker. I enjoy and replay two of the australian ballet videos. We need australian storytelling in our ballet thats why. The story of clara graeme murphy, australian ballet at a low price. The australian ballet presentsnutcracker the story of claraan epic contemporary vision of ballet s favourite talegraeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the.
May 05, 2017 the true australian ballet is graeme murphys nutcracker the story of clara, a landmark in the australian ballets repertoire since it premiered in 1992. Graeme murphys nutcracker the story of clara was thrilling. Graeme murphy tells us the origin story of his nutcracker the story of clara and reminisces about. He has danced with the australian ballet, sadlers wells ballet london. The australian ballets nutcracker the story of clara. In murphys radical retelling, clara is an elderly russian emigrant and former prima ballerina, dreaming of her earlier days with love and sadness one feverishly hot australian christmas. The nutcracker the story of clara creative collections. I have always been fascinated, too, by the very moving moment in act ii when clara the ballerina danced on this occasion by dimity azoury watches as her lover is killed during a revolutionary battle in russia. The story of clara has also captured audiences across australia. The australian ballet is always exquisite, athletic, and beautiful. The ballet has returned to the stage for its fourth revival, with this months season at the sydney opera house. Nutcracker the story of clara kultur international films.
Graeme murphy was born in melbourne and studied at the australian ballet school. In a stunning departure from tradition, choreographer graeme mutphy transforms nutcracker into a unique artistic vision. Nutcracker the story of clara departs from its whimsical forebear to tell a story grounded in realworld events and the history of ballet in australia. The ambassadors secretary njegus enters with a fresh heap of bills. I saw the australian ballet on a trip to sydney and the lady i was sitting next to told me about their nontraditional nutcracker. The nutcracker the story of clara is a fantastic and unique production that cements the australian ballet as a diverse company that represents australia and its history. Now regarded as a classic hard to believe it is now 25 years since its first production. It has a new story line which does not resemble the traditional tale, except in being set at christmas time and making some use of a few old items such as the rats. Theres a touching scene that opens the second act of the australian ballets nutcracker. Jarryd madden and dimity azoury continue their rise through to the ranks of the australian ballet with a new promotion from soloist to senior artist. The australian ballet the nutcracker adelaide eventfinda. The australian ballets nutcracker tones down the yellowface.
First staged some twentyfive years ago, nutcracker the story of clara now has a sentimental history of its own, over and above. The music of tchaikovsky s the nutcracker from her radio fills her with nostalgia. C williamson theatres limited and the australian elizabethan theatre trust. The australian ballet is regarded as the most qualityenormous ballet company in whole of australia that was cofounded in 1962 by j. We need australian storytelling in our ballet thats why the aussie.
The story of clara friends of the australian ballet. Its definitely different, beautiful choreography but if you are looking for a traditional nutcracker to show your kids, this is not it. This christmas classic is a divine way to introduce your tiny dancer to the whirly, twirly, beautiful world of ballet. Win tickets to the australian ballets storytime ballet. The australian ballet nutcracker the story of clara. Australian stars margaret scott and valrene tweedie also appear in graeme murphys nutcracker the story of clara. Francesca hayward and alexander campbell take the roles of clara and the nutcracker. The new production is staged by artistic director david mcallister, whose evident love for the nutcracker is matched by his innate knowledge of the piece. In a stunning departure from tradition, graeme murphy transforms nutcracker into a production which is uniquely australian.
When her nutcracker toy comes to life, young clara istransported by the magician drosselmeyer to a magical world ofexcitement and delight. The australian ballet education nutcracker of nutcracker. This interpretation of the nutcracker wont be exported to any major cities in europe, asia or the us unlike murphys swan lake. Though i chose to remain within the narrative, it should be noted that the artistry and assurance of stojmenov and jackson, as dancers, burned superbly.
One dancers story told beautifully through movement by jordan beth vincent updated june 4, 2017 1. Discover nutcracker the story of clara wi th the australian ballet. Graeme murphy, an australian nutcracker, the australian ballet youtube video, may 9, 2017. This was such an incredible experience to rehearse and dance alongside the artists of the aussie ballet. The new story, set in australia, makes the heroine into an elderly russian. When the clock strikes twelve, we enter the realm of dreamand clara is whisked to the land of sweets in the arms of her nutcracker prince. All in all, an extremely touching night at the ballet. The story of clara by the australian ballet enchants and delights. The australian ballet 2017 season by the australian ballet. Image 1 justine summers and robert curran in graeme murphys nutcracker the story of clara. Graeme murphys australian retelling of the beloved ballet is as touching as ever 25 years on. May 08, 2017 t heres a touching scene that opens the second act of the australian ballets nutcracker. Chrissa keramidas as clara the elder in graeme murphys nutcracker. May 31, 2017 nutcracker the story of clara departs from its whimsical forebear to tell a story grounded in realworld events and the history of ballet in australia.
The australian ballet is one of the worlds premier ballet companies and has delivered extraordinary performances for over 50 years. When the clock strikes twelve, we enter the realm of dream and clara is whisked to the land of sweets in the arms of her nutcracker prince. My first professional work as a dancer was as a child extra in the australian ballets nutcrackerthe story of clara, by graeme murphy. Bravo clara, in your three figured form you have stolen the hearts of this australian, and made him wish for a russian heritage of his own. The true australian ballet is graeme murphy s nutcracker the story of clara, a landmark in the australian ballets repertoire since it premiered in 1992. Joan sutherland theatre, sydney opera house, 2 may.
It chronicles her turbulent nomadic life, set to tchaikovskys lavish score. For all its entrenched european foundations, the work is transformed. Graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and a modern perspective. T heres a touching scene that opens the second act of the australian ballet s nutcracker.
Spotlight on nutcracker the story of clara the australian ballet. Nutcracker the story of clara australian ballet graeme murphys australian retelling of the beloved ballet is as touching as ever 25 years on. With vicki attard, nigel burley, siobhan elsmann, michele goullet. Nutcracker the story of clara is a ballet filled with great ensemble dancing for the whole cast and some very moving. Nutcracker the story of clara is a uniquely australian nutcracker. This consists of west australian ballet branded tshirts, posters, books, signed pointe shoes and various other ballet themed merchandise. The ambassadors secretary njegus enters with a fresh heap of bills and all lament their countrys bankruptcy. Claras russian friends make their annual visit to pay homage to the goddess of their youth.
The dvd is of a 1994 performance of the australian ballet. The nutcracker, the australian ballet deborah jones. An interview with artistic director david mcallister. The nutcracker is a spellbinding interactive performance designed specifically for kids aged 3 and up and its coming to a theatre near you. Her young doctor arrives with a reel of archival film showing a young clara as a ballerina with the russian imperial ballet. A commitment to artistic excellence, a spirited style and a willingness to take risks have defined the company from its earliest days, both onstage. Graeme murphys 1992 nutcracker the story of clara is a wonderful memory piece set during a hot melbourne christmas. Graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker, like his swan lake, masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and a modern perspective.
Some twenty five years since its creation in 1992, graeme murphys nutcracker the story of clara is as fresh and relevant as ever. I have just watched a dvd of a wonderful piece of ballet theatre called nutcracker. Nutcracker the story of clara the story the australian ballet. Jun 03, 2017 graeme murphys nutcracker does far more than tell the story of clara, celebrating the backstory of vision, passion and talent that formed the bedrock for our modern, 55yearsyoung company the australian ballet. May 18, 2017 other guest artists included founding australian ballet performer colin peasley, graeme hudson and audrey nicholls who dance the roles of claras russian friends. Lauren cuthbertson and federico bonelli dance the exquisite sugar plum fairy and her prince. On christmas eve, nearing the end of her life, she relives her past. Rose mulready, nutcracker the story of clara, programme, 2017, 14. A commitment to artistic excellence, a spirited style and a willingness to take risks have defined the company from its earliest days, both onstage and off.
Nutcracker the story of clara origins the australian ballet. The royal ballet s the nutcracker is the quintessential christmas ballet. Ausballet the story of clara dance life dancelife australia. Tchaikovskys last great score for ballet, with its lively motifs and bewitching melodies, draws us into the story of clara, a young ballet student celebrating with her family on christmas eve.
Retold as nutcracker the story of clara, tchaikovskys glorious score remains intact, transposed convincingly on a reverse telling of claras life an ageing russian ballet dancer who had danced around the world for the ballets russes before settling in melbourne. Graeme murphy s acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker, like his swan lake, masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and a modern perspective. Clara the ballerina, the beloved officer and the nutcracker prince. From its first performance in 1992, graeme murphys nutcracker the story of clara was recognised as a masterpiece the age graeme murphys acclaimed reimagining of the nutcracker, like his swan lake, masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and a modern perspective. During a sweltering christmas eve in melbourne in the late 1950s, the ageing clara, once a famous russian ballerina, struggles home. The story of clara, in which children boys in black shorts and white shirts, girls in white. Oct 08, 2019 tchaikovskys last great score for ballet, with its lively motifs and bewitching melodies, draws us into the story of clara, a young ballet student celebrating with her family on christmas eve. Jun 04, 2017 retold as nutcracker the story of clara, tchaikovskys glorious score remains intact, transposed convincingly on a reverse telling of claras life an ageing russian ballet dancer who had danced around the world for the ballets russes before settling in melbourne.
The australian ballet from the glamorous ballroom of the russian tsar to the dusty summer streets of melbourne, graeme murphys nutcracker is a romantic tale of love and loss, played out across time and distance. All about the main female character in the nutcracker ballet. The story of clara opens on a hot christmas eve in 1950s melbourne. As in some musicals, murphy has three dancers to play clara at the different stages of her life as an elderly woman, a prima ballerina and a young girl which makes for some beautiful magical effects as they join togetherswap places. This ballet is the story of clara, once a famous russian ballerina who first came to australia in the 1940s. But other than a christmas party, in which elderly ballerina clara. Clara, a former star of the ballets russes, has settled in australia. The australian ballets storytime ballet series continues with a perfectly judged childrens version of seasonal favourite the nutcracker. Nutcracker the story of clara the creatives the australian ballet. West australian ballet has a small range of merchandise available from both the theatre during the season and from west australian ballet centre in maylands, 9.
Four ballet pros share their nutcracker resumes dance spirit. The late kristian fredriksons set and costume designs are a big part of this productions appeal but its biggest strength is the way in which it blends the historical with the personal telling claras story as a russian ballet dancer who eventually settled in australia as a tribute to all those who did stay, forming the nucleus of. Commissioned in 1992, this unconventional telling of the classic ballet won audiences over with its distinctly australian context and its exciting storytelling. Because the nutcracker ballet developed from two versions of a single book, the lead role of the story is sometimes named clara and sometimes marie. Nutcracker the story of clara has great heart, a gentle sense of humour, some lovely choreography and a story worth telling. Christmas has arrived in winter with a return of graeme murphys iconic and muchloved nutcracker for the australian ballet. The australian ballet exists to inspire, delight and challenge audiences through the power of its performances. The story of clara has the soul of australia and attempts to redefine an old tale through an australian lens. For a more conventional take, tab turned to peter wrights 1990 birmingham royal ballet version, giving the australian premiere in 2007. The story of clara was choreographed by graeme murphy with kristian fredrikson as the designer.
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