RNZB announces The Vodafone Season of Swan Lake - Royal New ...

Media Release – for immediate release
The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents The Vodafone Season of Swan Lake
When it premiered at the St James Theatre in Wellington in 1996, Russell Kerr’s opulent
production of Swan Lake received critical acclaim and had audience members on their feet
applauding.
In just a few weeks, this beloved ballet returns to the theatre where it was first staged to
begin an eight centre national tour in celebration of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 60 th
birthday. Joining the company for its anniversary celebration is none other than
choreographer and former Artistic Director Russell Kerr ONZM QSM.
"In this anniversary year, I felt it appropriate to present a ballet that would encapsulate the
RNZB's history, as well as one that is an important work for any ballet company to perform
regularly. I could think of no better way to capture this idea than to have Swan
Lake performed. A production created by two celebrated New Zealand icons that have made
such important contributions to the RNZB over the years: Russell Kerr and Kristian
Fredrikson," says Ethan Stiefel, Artistic Director of the RNZB.
Russell Kerr was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2000, and in
2003 was recognised with The Arts Foundation Icon Award, an award which celebrates living
icons of New Zealand arts. He is humbled to see his production of Swan Lake showcased this
year. “This 60 th anniversary offers the Royal New Zealand Ballet and the country the
opportunity to mark the occasion with performances of the company’s own production of
Swan Lake and also offers dancers and choreographer the opportunity to relive the art that
passes between them: the act of giving and receiving.” says Russell Kerr.
Complementing Russell Kerr’s impeccable choreography are extravagant costumes and
spectacular sets designed by the late Kristian Fredrikson, often described as a genius, who
went on to become one of Australasia’s most experienced and sought-after designers.
Fredrikson worked alongside Kerr and the RNZB for many years designing costumes and sets
in his signature elaborate and richly textured style.
The Vodafone Season of Swan Lake opens in Wellington at the St James Theatre on Thursday
18 July and tours to seven other centres including Dunedin, Christchurch, Invercargill,
Takapuna, Auckland and Palmerston North, closing in Napier on 1 September.
Ends

For interviews, images or further information contact: Sally-ann Moffat,
Media & Communications Manager sally-ann@nzballet.org.nz / 021 2 44 44 50 or (04) 381 9002
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Vodafone Season of Swan Lake tour dates:
Wellington
Dunedin
Christchurch
Invercargill
Takapuna
Auckland
Palmerston North
Napier
St James Theatre 18 – 27 July
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
Regent Theatre 30 July
CBS Arena 3 August
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
Civic Theatre 8 – 9 August
Bruce Mason Theatre 17 – 18 August
The Civic 21 – 25 August
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Regent on Broadway 28 August
Municipal Theatre 31 August – 1 September
Approximate running time: 3 hours, including two intervals.
Casting note: As with all RNZB productions, there are several casts.
Audience members are advised to check the RNZB’s website for up to date cast lists.
For more information visit: http://www.nzballet.org.nz/shows-and-events/the-vodafone-season-ofswan-lake/about/
Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB):
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2013, the RNZB is an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s national
heritage, and has the largest following of all New Zealand performing arts companies. The RNZB
enjoys a reputation for strong and unique interpretations of full-length dramatic works. To this base
have been added the masterworks and major ballets of the 20th century, such as Balanchine's works
and the Stravinsky ballets, and the company has an enviable track record in commissioning new
works from New Zealand and international choreographers. The RNZB regularly represents New
Zealand on the international stage, with recent tours to the UK, Australia and a tour to China in April
of this year. Filming of the third series of hit reality television show ‘The Secret Lives of Dancers’
commenced in early 2013 and will be on screen later in the year. The New Zealand Film Commission
are funding a major motion film directed by Toa Fraser (No 2 and Dean Spanley) based on the RNZB’s
2012 season of Giselle for general release in late 2013 .