Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 10, 2024
This Christmas, the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) is bringing back the magic with the much-anticipated return of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’
Originally premiering in 2015 to widespread acclaim, this enchanting ballet, choreographed by the late Liam Scarlett, is set to captivate audiences once again from October 24, 2024 to December 24, 2024. This also marks the production’s first tour outside Wellington in nearly a decade.
A Classic tale retold
Based on one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ intertwines tales of love, mischief, and magic in an enchanted forest.
The play features a mix of human and fairy characters, including the mischievous Puck, who uses a magical love potion to create chaos among the lovers in the forest.
The RNZB’s production translates this whimsical story into dance, with Liam Scarlett’s choreography, Tracy Grant Lord’s set and costume designs, and Kendall Smith’s lighting, all set to the enchanting score of Felix Mendelssohn.
The result is a visually splendid performance that enchants audiences of all ages with its humour, romance, and magic.
RNZB Soloist Shaun James Kelly, who originally danced the role of Puck in 2015, reflects on the experience with fondness, “Being one of the original ‘Pucks’ in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in 2015 continues to be one of the highlights of my decade with the RNZB. Bringing this iconic character to life and hearing the laughs and gasps of the audience as the story unfolds is truly magical – it is funny, quirky, and unashamedly romantic. Flying across the stage, in the magical forest world, is pure delight for the dancers and audiences.”
Season highlight
The 2024 season of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ will feature performances across New Zealand, accompanied by live music from Orchestra Wellington, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and the Auckland Philharmonia, conducted by the esteemed Hamish McKeich.
This co-production with Queensland Ballet will be a glittering highlight of the Christmas season, offering a perfect celebration of ballet, music, and theatrical wonder.
RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall expressed his excitement about the upcoming season and said, “What a treat it is for us to be bringing our sparkling 2024 season to a close with ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ There is so much to behold and to treasure in this production, for children and children at heart alike. Tracy Grant Lord’s set is a marvel that makes you want to jump up out of your seat and explore, and Liam Scarlett’s marvellously inventive, intricate, and richly layered choreography brings this magical array of characters to life.”
Audiences across New Zealand will have the opportunity to experience this magical production as it tours the country, with shows scheduled in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Napier, Rotorua and Auckland.
Celebrating a Decade of Partnership
This year’s season is especially significant as it marks a decade of collaboration between the RNZB and its principal partner, Ryman Healthcare. CEO Cheyne Chalmers expressed her pride in the ongoing partnership: “It is an honour to celebrate our much-loved partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet as they bring the enchanting ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to life. As we mark a decade of collaboration, our commitment to supporting the arts and the extraordinary talent of the RNZB remains steadfast. We are thrilled to be part of this magical production and eagerly anticipate the joy and inspiration it will bring to audiences across New Zealand.”
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
