Friends in Conversation – Libby Christie

Friends in Conversation – Libby Christie

We are excited to introduce Friends in Conversation, a series of talks for 2020, our first being with Libby Christie, Executive Director of The Australian Ballet.

Libby will provide insight into the funding, costs, logistics and operations of how the Company, along with its strategic aspirations, providing you with a true behind-the-scenes experience of The Australian Ballet.

About Libby
Libby was appointed as Executive Director of The Australian Ballet in 2013.  Prior to this appointment she had eleven years’ experience in Australia’s arts sector, including with the Australian Government’s arts funding and advocacy body, the Australia Council for the Arts (2009 – 2013) as acting CEO and Executive Director of Arts Funding, and as the Managing Director of the Sydney Symphony (2003 – 2009).  Before joining the arts sector, Libby held senior national and international executive roles in the technology and telecommunications sector in companies including Optus, Telstra, TMP Worldwide and Computer Power Group.  She has also worked in Australia’s tertiary education sector in the field of adult education.

Libby has current and prior experience as a non-executive director on not for profit and for profit boards.  She is a graduate of Sydney University and the University of Canberra and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Join us to hear Libby Christie provide a rare behind the scenes glimpse of the operations and logistics of The Australian Ballet.

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Season 2020

Season 2020

As 2019 draws to a close, we are looking to 2020 and are thrilled to be sharing The Australian Ballet’s Year of Limitless Possibilities with our Friends.

The launch of the 2020 Season has formed a clear promise from The Australian Ballet; a promise to transform and transcend any creative or artistic boundaries and we are happy to accompany you as we explore this transformative season. The season is an ode to the fantastic service of David McAllister, but also a confirmation that the company shows no sign of slowing down.

The Australian Ballet has grown immensely under David’s leadership, with the 2020 season featuring strong collaborations with international companies such as the Joffrey Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre in the performances of Anna Karenina and Harlequinade.

Anna Karenina pushes the traditional format for ballets, becoming an epic ballad of love, drama and loss. The company has pushed the envelope with modernized Hollywood-style costumes and mesmerizing choreography created by former Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer, Yuri Possokhov.

Anna Karenina, photo Justin Ridler

In an all-exclusive Melbourne run, Harlequinade will bring plenty of colour and fun to our Australian stages in the 2020 season. This cheeky, bubbly ballet is a classic story of forbidden love, with a twist of mischief and magic as Harlequin fights with an enchanted slap stick for Columbine’s hand in marriage.

Harlequinade, photo Justin Ridler

Volt will have The Company broadcasting their innovation and artistic voice. Alongside two works from the visionary Wayne McGregor, this program features a new work from The Australian Ballet’s Alice Topp, who delighted us this year with the Helpmann Award-winning Aurum. McGregor and Topp will see Volt light up a new style of expression and push all notions of how dance should be to the edge.

Volt, photo Justin Ridler

Molto revives a trio of the most bold and adventurous performances from the last 50 years, satisfying all your needs and desires from a quick trip to the ballet. In a crash-course performance of recent greats, Molto celebrates the successes of the modern ballet world, sparking excitement for the future of dance.

Molto, photo Justin Ridler

David’s tenure as Artistic Director began by commissioning Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake, and it seems fitting that The Happy Prince, Murphy’s new ballet, will open David’s final season in 2020. The international premiere of The Happy Prince has placed our Opera House at the center of global attention, proving that our company has once again, soared over our expectations in this year of Limitless Possibilities.

The Happy Prince, photo Justin Ridler

Like always, we will keep you updated with all details throughout the season. Join us in a pivotal year at The Australian Ballet, as we relish on our past successes and turn towards a bright future.