The Australian Ballet promises a season of transformation in 2025 as it takes its first steps at a new Melbourne venue. "Wicked has gone - and the Australian Ballet has arrived," artistic director David Hallberg told reporters at Melbourne's Regent Theatre on Tuesday. The historic commercial venue, which usually presents musical theatre fare, will soon host the world premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's ballet Oscar.
Based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde, the production will also play the Sydney Opera House. The move - due to the State Theatre closing for renovation until 2027 - has forced the national company to consider how it can do things differently, Hallberg said. For a start, eight rows of seats have to be ripped out to make room for a full live orchestra, which will perform in view of the audience, rather than hidden in an orchestra pit.
"I've done a lot of thinking about how we present our ballets at the Regent ...
but it's been a really great exercise, to be honest," Hallberg told AAP. While Oscar has been produced specifically for the Regent, it's been challenging to find other ballets that fit the stage - an exercise that has helped shape the company's 2025 slate. "I am really proud of this season," Hallberg said.
"It shows the weight and importance of repertoire this company is able to perform." The season features two world premieres - Blake Works VI (The Barre Project) by acclaimed US choreographer William Forsythe, and a new work from the company's resid.