Fairy tale ballet comes to Durban
This highly acclaimed original will be presented at the Drama Theatre from September 19 to 21.
THE timeless story of hunger, love, courage and triumph that is Hansel and Gretel comes to Durban next month as a brand new ballet choreographed by Durban born Mark Hawkins.
Featuring the Johannesburg Youth Ballet (JYB), this highly acclaimed original will be presented at the Drama Theatre from September 19 to 21, in association with the Playhouse Company and with the support of the Arts and Culture Trust.
The Durban run is perfectly timed for end-of-term celebrations and the start of the September spring holiday. With this in mind, the JYB has scheduled two dedicated school’s performances on Thursday September 19 at 9am and noon.
The narrative of Hansel and Gretel provides rich character possibilities and challenging performance opportunities in solos, duos, trios as well as full company ensemble numbers.
The JYB invites audience members to donate non-perishable food items to create a “House of Food” in the foyer. This non-perishable food drive cleverly draws attention to the fact that Hansel and Gretel is a tale of hunger and that there are latter day Hansels and Gretels eking out a survival on the harsh streets of our cities.
The story has as much relevance today as it had when it was first published by the Brothers Grimm 200 years ago.
While there are vulnerable children and exploitative adults, the story of Hansel and Gretel needs to be told. The Johannesburg Youth Ballet’s version will inspire audiences with its sensitivity, lyricism and beauty.
Public performances are September 19 at 7.30pm, September 20 at 7.30pm and September 21 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm.
Tickets are R90 and booking is at Computicket.
Schools who want to make bookings should contact Kim Coppen at kim@thinktheatre.co.za or 082 579 6882.
