In the history of dance, there are only a handful of productions that translate Shakespeare’s story of tragic love into compelling ballet form. John Cranko’s majestic version is one of them. His Romeo and Juliet premiered in 1962, the year The Australian Ballet was founded, and generations of our dancers have grown up with the production and gone on to shine in its many dream roles.
An artist who effortlessly fused dance and drama, Cranko richly evokes the grandeur of the Capulets’ ball, the fierce clashes of the rival families and the brief, luminous flare of young love. His choreography seems to flow spontaneously out of Sergei Prokofiev’s score, which has proven itself as immortal as Shakespeare’s play. As clearly as words could, the music lays out the progress of the story, evoking swordplay, ecstasy, murder and the looming approach of the lovers’ fate.
Jürgen Rose’s dramatically resonant design captures the pageantry of medieval Verona, contrasting the heavy splendour of the aristocratic elder generation with the billowing fabrics of the young lovers’ carefree abandon.
Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet binds artists and audiences in a profound emotional experience that will linger long after the curtain falls.
Wednesday 30 November, 7pm
Joan Sutherland Theatre
Sydney Opera House
Wednesday 5 October, 11am
Wednesday 12 October, 11am
$46 to $125*
“As an audience member, the most touching aspect of Romeo and Juliet is the unfolding of the story in front of your very eyes. I have danced performances of Romeo where the audience was with us in every scene; they become a part of the ballet. I lost myself through expressions of love, elation, vengeance and ultimately death; and the audience left the performance as heartbroken as the characters on stage.”
— David Hallberg, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet
* All prices include a booking fee. A $5 handling fee will be charged per transaction for all sales conducted over the phone.
If you are a Member of The Ballet Society Victoria or The Ballet Society South Australia, we would be delighted for you to join us at this event. Please contact your state for details of how to book with us at the Member price.
The Ballet Society Victoria
vic@theballetsociety.org.au
(03) 9669 2591
The Ballet Society South Australia
sa@theballetsociety.org.au
0478 034 579
If you require wheelchair or accessible seating, please contact the office directly on (02) 9252 7322 to book.
Choreography John Cranko
Composer Sergei Prokofiev
Guest Repetiteur and Stager Yseult Lendvai
Costume and Set Design Jürgen Rose
Lighting Design Jon Buswell
Guest Repetiteur Mark Kay
With Opera Australia Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria
The Romeo and Juliet Final Dress Rehearsal is going ahead with capacity in line with current NSW Government restrictions. This capacity may change.
All sales are subject to The Ballet Society NSW Terms and Conditions
Ticket allocation for Dress Rehearsals is provided by The Australian Ballet and begins at Row N in the Stalls.
You must a hold a current membership with The Ballet Society to book tickets at the member price.
If you selected to receive a credit for any performances or events that were cancelled in 2020/2021, you can use this credit to book for this performance. To book using your credit or check your current balance, please call the office on (02) 9252 7322.
Physical tickets are no longer being issued. Prior to the performance, a digital ticket from The Australian Ballet will be sent to the email address provided at the time of booking.
For information about what the Sydney Opera House is doing to ensure patron safety at events like the Romeo and Juliet Dress Rehearsal, please click here.
What is a Dress Rehearsal?
A Dress Rehearsal provides a small window into the world of creating a performance and gives an impression of the final production. It is part of the creative process of getting an event ready for a season and may be stopped at any time by a member of the Creative team. The Artistic Director or other members of the Creative team may interrupt the rehearsal to speak to dancers or musicians, and some part of the performance may be repeated. You will experience first-hand the meticulous standards of all performers.
The Creative team may, at their discretion, determine a Dress Rehearsal is no longer open to the public and we may be asked to leave the auditorium. As such, there is no guarantee that a full performance will be seen during a Dress Rehearsal.
The exact timing of the Dress Rehearsal is subject to change dependent on the requirements of the Creative team.
Can I applaud?
An attentive audience can applaud at appropriate moments.
If the rehearsal is stopped by members of the Creative team, please remain quiet so that performers are not distracted and can receive clear instruction from the team.
Please remain quiet throughout the rehearsal, including the period used by Creative time to go over sections of music, dance, lighting, scene changes or other aspects of the production which need adjustment.
Where will I sit and when can I leave?
The Australian Ballet makes limited seats available to certain groups. The Ballet Society, New South Wales allocation typically begins at Row N of the Stalls.
Similar rules for general performances apply to a dress rehearsal. The use of mobile phones is prohibited during the Dress Rehearsal – including photography, flashlights and other functionality. All devices should be switched completely off.
You must remain seated until give the signal to leave by either the Stage Manager or the Artistic Director. At no time should you leave the auditorium until the house lights have been switched on.
Latecomers will not be admitted until a break in the program. If you must leave early, leave at interval.
Become a Member of The Ballet Society New South Wales to be among the first to purchase tickets for Dress Rehearsals.