One of the more prominent initiatives initiated by John Kotzas during his tenure as Chief Executive at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), has been the QPAC International Series. At least until the COVID-19 pandemic hit which saw their 2020 exclusive season of Paris Opera Ballet’s Swan Lake and Parisienne Soiree postponed and eventually cancelled, this almost annual event saw major international ballet companies take up residency in Brisbane for two weeks – spearheading multiple performances and a medley of initiatives. These ballet companies include Italy’s Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company, England’s The Royal Ballet, Frances’ Ballet Preljocaj, the American Ballet Theatre and more. One of the aforementioned companies is set to make a return, kudos of the QPAC International Series 2025 being confirmed.
QPAC has announced an exclusive Australian season of Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake, running from 31 May to 7 June 2025 at the Lyric Theatre as part of the QPAC International Series, in addition to the Centre’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Founded by French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj in 1985, Ballet Preljocaj is renowned for reimagining classical ballets with a contemporary twist. This marks the company’s return to QPAC following their sell-out season of Snow White in 2016, which was one of the first events I worked on for the organisation during my own tenure at QPAC.
Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake aims to offer a dystopian reinterpretation of the classic ballet, setting the tale within a world of corporate greed. In this version, Siegfried is the son of a wealthy property developer, while Odette and the Prince are eco-warriors fighting against the industrialist Rothbart. While some choreography from the original by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov remains, Preljocaj’s version is condensed to under two hours with no interval, blending Tchaikovsky’s score with futuristic house music from studio 79D. The performance will be accompanied live by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Johannes Fritzsch.
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas welcomed Ballet Preljocaj’s return, describing the production as “a Swan Lake for modern times” and a fitting highlight for QPAC’s 40th anniversary celebrations:
Preljocaj is one of Europe’s greatest choreographers and the company has redefined contemporary ballet. This is a Swan Lake for modern times – there’s not a pointe shoe in sight – but you will still be hit with the full spectacle, technical virtuosity and depth of storytelling that is expected of this much-loved ballet.
As we plan our 40th Anniversary celebrations for next year, we are excited to announce this exclusive season of Swan Lake as a fitting highlight of a broad program marking 40 years of hosting the best artists in the world and pushing the art of performance making.
Although Ballet Preljocaj will perform only in Brisbane, we will soon be announcing opportunities for all of Queensland to connect with the company. For everyone else around Australia, I encourage you to join us for this season of eight performances only of Swan Lake like you have never seen before.
Angelin Preljocaj, founder of Ballet Preljocaj expressed his excitement for the Australian premiere, recalling Brisbane’s enthusiastic reception of Snow White:
We fondly remember the enthusiasm Brisbane had for Snow White, so we know we will be welcomed warmly by audiences and I hope they will enjoy this contemporary version of Swan Lake.
We cannot wait to perform in Queensland, especially as we have the chance to perform live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Johannes Fritzsch.
Minister for the Arts, The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP added that the season reinforces Queensland’s growing reputation as a cultural destination, attracting audiences from across the country:
I am delighted that one of the world’s leading contemporary ballet companies is returning to Queensland as part of QPAC’s 40th anniversary celebrations. Ballet Preljocaj’s spectacular interpretation of Swan Lake is set to attract audiences from across the country and leave a lasting impression on everyone who experiences it.
Queensland Government investment supports QPAC to host internationally acclaimed companies like Ballet Preljocaj as well as leading local and national companies and artists, boosting the state’s economy and supporting Queenslanders’ access to some of the very best arts and cultural experiences.
Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake will be performed exclusively in Brisbane, with eight performances scheduled. Tickets go on sale to the public from 25 September 2024 by both their website, and through calling their box office on 136 246.
