Birds of a different feather
JOBURG – The Joburg Ballet aims to delight audiences with a unique visual experience with their latest version of 'Swan Lake'.
Joburg Ballet’s production of Swan Lake is on stage at the Joburg Theatre from 17 April to 3 May. The latest production of the classic tale will feature magnificent new sets designed by leading SA designer Andrew Botha. His sumptuous designs will provide the setting for what may be the grandest production of Swan Lake yet seen on the SA stage.
According to Botha, “Swan Lake is the magic touchstone of ballet. To design this ballet in my hometown is a life and career highlight. I hope audiences will enjoy this fictional Russian-Gothic variation as much as I have enjoyed creating it,” he said.
Joburg Ballet CEO Dirk Badenhorst added, “Working with Andrew Botha on Swan Lake not only allows Joburg Ballet to present this classic in a richly evocative setting, but also to partner with a designer who is a master at achieving visual splendour, using technology rather than expensive, old-fashioned set construction,” he said.
Artistic director of Joburg Ballet, [Iain MacDonald – , said that Botha’s new designs for Swan Lake mark a new high point for Joburg Ballet: “This is the most impressive production of Swan Lake I have been associated with in my career and I look forward to seeing our magnificent Swan Lake company of 80 dancers in the settings Andrew has created for us.”
The design and construction of the sets for Swan Lake has been made possible through a generous gift from the Friends of the Ballet. Iain MacDonald expressed Joburg Ballet’s gratitude to the Friends for their support, adding that this is the second production made possible in part by a gift from the Friends. The first was La Bayadère in 2014. MacDonald said, “Joburg Ballet deeply appreciates the support of the Friends of the Ballet which has helped us bring Andrew Botha’s spectacular Swan Lake designs to the stage.”
Andrew Botha has designed for all aspects of theatre, television, corporate events and exhibitions for over 30 years. His work for the stage ranges from operas, musicals, plays and high-tech extravaganzas to ballet and dance. With many awards to his credit, his innovative designs make him sought-after in the international theatre industry.
