alice's adventures in wonderland - The National Ballet of Canada

In the last three months there has been a tremendous buzz and air of anticipation
at the heart of The royal ballet. The reason: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,
Christopher wheeldon’s first full-length narrative work and the Company’s
first full-length ballet to a commissioned score in 20 years. For this enormous
undertaking, Christopher has chosen as his collaborators joby Talbot, bob
Crowley, nicholas wright and natasha Katz. Their exceptional talents have
combined to realize a magical version of Lewis Carroll’s charming and
quintessentially english story.
The making of the production has called on the full resources not only of the
Company and of the orchestra of the royal opera House under the direction of
barry wordsworth, but also of myriad brilliant departments and individuals, both
in and out of the royal opera House, who have worked tirelessly to bring this
new work to the stage. The skill, expertise and attention to detail of all those
involved has been truly inspiring.
on behalf of The royal ballet, I would like to express my gratitude to the many
individuals and organizations who are supporting this production. In particular,
we would like to thank The Monument Trust for its exceptionally generous gift
in memory of simon sainsbury. we would also like to thank the wide circle of
production supporters whose interest, enthusiasm and generous contributions
have made such a difference to the production: sir simon and Lady robertson,
robert and Kathleen wallace, sarah and Lloyd Dorfman, Celia blakey, sue butcher,
Marina Hobson mbe, Peter Lloyd, Kristina rogge and richard and Victoria sharp.
And also those who have sponsored individual roles: David and Diana Pilling,
Derek and sheila watson, jill and Michael Carpenter, Cynthia brown, Lady
shauna Gosling, The Cw Group and an anonymous donor.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a co-production with The national ballet of
Canada. I am very thankful to Karen Kain, the company’s Artistic Director, for
making this possible, and I join her in gratitude for the lead philanthropic
support from an anonymous friend of The national ballet of Canada, and
the additional support generously provided by The Catherine and Maxwell
Meighen Foundation, richard M. Ivey, C.C., rosamond Ivey and wallace
and Margaret McCain.
Dame Monica Mason dbe
Director of The Royal ballet
Sergei polunin as the Knave of hearts
All rehearsal photographs ©ROH 2011/Johan Persson
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