Joburg ballet kicks off with classical comedy
JOBURG - Classical ballet's great comedy, Coppelia, has been chosen as Joburg Ballet's 2014 season curtain-raiser.
The production, featuring romance, jealousy, intrigue and a large dollop of comedy, will open at Joburg Theatre on 7 March.
One of the best loved ballets in the world, Coppelia tells the story of an old toymaker who believes he breathed life into his most beautiful mechanical doll. Despite his short-lived joy, all ends happily in this endearing, heart-warming classic.
Speaking on behalf of the company Lindsay McDonald said, “In keeping with Joburg Ballet’s aim to expand ballet’s footprint to a wider audience, the Johannesburg season of Coppelia will be followed by four performances presented by [the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State] at the Sand du Plessis, Bloemfontein.”
Also in March, the company will present two performances of Celebration 6, which will continue the company’s tradition of mixing familiar classics with ballet in a way that is “new and now, sometimes edgy, always exhilarating”.
Before taking to the stage for Coppelia, however, the company has planned a Valentine’s Day performance at Hyde Park Corner.
Coppelia is at Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein, from 7 until 23 March.
Details: 011 877 6898; www.joburgtheatre.com; www.samzansiballet.com
