Australian Ballet Presents BRITISH LIAISONS, August 25

The Australian Ballet celebrates a longstanding love affair with British ballet in a triple bill spanning three generations. British Liaisons features three of the biggest names in British choreography. Sharing the illustrious bill are Royal Ballet founder Ninette de Valois, the inimitable Sir Kenneth MacMillan and contemporary ballet legend Christopher Wheeldon.

British Liaisons opens in Melbourne on 25 August for 11 performances at the Arts Centre.

Two of the ballets on this bill, de Valois' Checkmate and MacMillan's Concerto, are making a much anticipated return after a considerable break from The Australian Ballet's repertoire. Concerto has not been performed in its entirety since its company debut in 1974 and Checkmate was last staged in full in 1992.

Completing the trio is Wheeldon's modern masterpiece, After the Rain©, which makes a welcome return after its critically acclaimed 2007 premiere. Artistic Director David McAllister chose these works to recognise the important role British choreographers have played in shaping The Australian Ballet.

"British ballet was crucial in the development of our own distinctive Australian style of movement",
explains McAllister.

"The Royal Ballet tour in 1956 under Ninette de Valois was a real turning point for ballet in this country. Not long after, her associate Peggy Van Praagh moved to Australia permanently and went on to become The Australian Ballet's founding artistic director."

A timeless tale of love and betrayal, Checkmate was gifted to The Australian Ballet by de Valois in 1986. With the role of the Red King conceived on Australian Sir Robert Helpmann, this ballet has a special significance to the company.

As each chess piece plays its part, relationships are revealed and tested. The legendary score by Arthur Bliss adds further drama to the arresting choreography. Climaxing with a grand battle
between love and death, this game of chess is anything but boring.

Kenneth MacMillan's Concerto, meanwhile, is a pure classical ballet which demands flawless technique. Created in 1966, it was the first MacMillan work to enter The Australian Ballet's repertoire.

Set to Dmitri Shostakovich's stirring Piano Concerto No.2, it's a piece that's as thrilling for audiences to watch as it is challenging for dancers to perform.

A seamless marriage of music and movement, Wheeldon's After the Rain© is an intimate portrayal
of what he describes as "an unspoken love affair that is consummated only onstage".

A heartbreakingly tender pas de deux is the centrepiece of this work. After the Rain© achieves much in its one act, taking the audience on a deeply rewarding journey.

As The Australian Ballet nears its 50th anniversary, British Liaisons is a fitting tribute to the company's heritage.

Melbourne 25 August - 3 September

(11 performances)
The Arts Centre, State Theatre
with Orchestra Victoria

Bookings
australianballet.com.au or 1300 369 741

Photo Credit: Georges Antoni

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