In 1936 the revolutionary ballet company, The Ballets Russes, arrived in Australia, awakening the nation to a new world of modernist art and culture. It inspired a generation of local artists, dancers and designers, who shook down the walls of conformism and ignited the passion of audiences across the country. It also led directly to the foundation of The Australian Ballet. Disc One of this superb 2DVD set features three masterpieces that were danced in the Ballets Russes’ early Paris seasons and on their first Australian tour. Here they are brought to life by The Australian Ballet in live performances captured in the Sydney Opera House in 2009. Disc Two is a fascinating and profoundly moving documentary, including recent interviews with former members of the original Ballets Russes, extensive footage of the company in Australia, and a behind-the-scenes journey into The Australian Ballet‘s 2009 Firebird, with choreographer Graeme Murphy.
DISC ONE
FIREBIRD AND OTHER LEGENDS
1. Les Sylphides
Choreography: Mikhail Fokine
Music: Frédéric Chopin arr. Roy Douglas
Featuring: Lana Jones, Yosvani Ramos, Rachel Rawlins, Leanne Stojmenov
2. Petrouchka
Choreography: Mikhail Fokine
Music: Igor Stravinsky
Featuring: Marc Cassiday (Petrouchka), Leanne Stojemenov (Ballerina), Luke Ingham (Moor), Colin Peasley (Showman)
3. Firebird
Choreography: Graeme Murphy
Music: Igor Stravinsky
Featuring: Lana Jones (Firebird), Kevin Jackson (Ivan Tsarevich), Danielle Rowe (Tsarevna), Chengwu Guo (Kostchei)
DISC TWO
A THOUSAND ENCORES: THE BALLETS RUSSES IN AUSTRALIA
Region Code: Region 4 PAL
Release Date : 03-05-2010
