Queensland Ballet in co-production with W.A. Ballet. PLAYHOUSE, QPAC. Performances: 7-22 June 2024
Swanilda (Chiara Gonzalez) and Franz (Patricio Reve)
O body swayed to music, O brightening glance, How can we know the dancer from the dance?
The legendary Irish poet William Butler Yeats posed this historic question long ago. The dancers of the Queensland Ballet do a superb job of answering it in this splendid production of “Coppélia”. Is the mysterious resident in Doctor Coppelius’ house a beautiful young lady or merely a mechanical doll?
The plot is set by choreographer Greg Horsman in the small German settlement of Hahndorf in South Australia. The good doctor (danced passionately by Vito Bernasconi) has undertaken the long voyage by sea from Europe with his beloved, but infirm daughter Coppelia. She tragically died in his arms on the way. Dr Coppelius is grieving following the death of his daughter but lights upon an idea which might restore his Coppelia to him.
Doctor Coppelius (Vito Bernasconi) with the mechanical doll of his late daughter Coppelia.
Chiara Gonzalez dances magnificently as Swanilda. She brings preternatural grace and beauty to the production as the action swings through moods of jealousy, intrigue and drama. Luckily for her boyfriend Franz (Patricio Reve), a happy ending comes where love triumphs. Reve brings vigour, deft artistry and athleticism to this role.
This is a timeless, international story. It has, however, particular piquancy for Australia today. At a time of division and estrangement, this production tells us that love and care can triumph over division and grief.
In an age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this production teaches us that the human spirit, love and intellect still have a chance amidst the sophistry of AI. All dramas need not necessarily end like the blood-soaked last scene of Hamlet.
Ten years ago, in April 2014 I had the pleasure of reviewing the QB production of Coppelia. That production included ethereal dancers in the history of the Queensland Ballet such as Jeanette Mulligan, Teri Crilly and the divine Rachael Walsh, prima ballerina assoluta. Their legacy should be celebrated, not forgotten.
The QB remains in good hands, despite the scandalous lack of financial support from the Albanese federal government.
Reviewed by: Matt Foley
Performance seen 7 June 2024
Performances: 7-22 June 2024
Choreographer: Greg Horsman Music by Leo Delibes
Music Arranger and Conductor: Nigel Gaynor
Set Designer: Hugh Colman
Lighting Designer: Jon Buswell
Music Performed by; Queensland Symphony Orchestra
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