Image: Soloist Dimity Azoury. Photo: Justin Ridler
Coming to the close of the year, most places start to celebrate the upcoming holidays. The Australian Ballet is also joining in on the merriments, with a special festive performance of Coppélia.
For those unfamiliar with the production, Dr Coppelius is a toy maker who dreams of bringing his mechanical daughter to life; meanwhile in the village, Swanhilda and Franz are in love, but Franz becomes enchanted with Dr Coppelius’ ‘daughter’. Swanhilda must rescue Franz from the magician’s lair before it’s too late.
Australian Ballet dancer Benedicte Bemet is Swanhilda, and describes her as a sweet, curious and mischievous girl who loves to pick silly fights with her boyfriend.
“Throughout the story, however, she comes to realise that not everything is a game, and she has to be more careful with people’s emotions,” she explained.
Bemet says this role is not only about dancing, but storytelling:
“Whilst you must dance the choreography well, there are also many mime scenes that the success of the ballet relies on. Swanhilda starts out a more stubborn and selfish character, however by the end of the ballet she has learnt how to be a more humble and caring person, and as the dancer you need to be able to convey these lessons to the audience.” (AMal)
Until Dec 21, varied performance times. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. $43-$234. Tickets & info: www.australianballet.com.au
BY ATHINA MALLIS
