An enduring love story that has played a recurring role in the history of The Australian Ballet, the timeless Swan Lake is reinvented by Artistic Director David Hallberg in 2023. Inspired by Anne Woolliams’ 1977 production, this creation marks David Hallberg’s first major commission for the company as the centrepiece of the 60th anniversary celebrations.
Exploring the ballet’s themes of yearning, betrayal and love through a refreshing new lens, this adaptation will embody the beauty and power of the art form and honour our company’s commitment to classical repertoire. Through David’s vision, audiences will be enraptured with ballet’s iconic characters: Prince Siegfried, the Swan Queen Odette and her evil counterpart Odile, in a story of doomed love that continues to move audiences all over the world.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s poignant score, Swan Lake presents ballet's most famous scenes, including the resplendent Act II pas de deux for Siegfried and Odette. This Swan Lake reinterprets the time-honoured masterpiece as never witnessed before, a work that will redefine ballet history for generations to come.
Swan Lake has been entirely funded through donations from our generous ballet community.
"Our 60th year is a fitting moment to create a classical version of Swan Lake. One that will stand proud as a choreographically modern representation of The Australian Ballet, further elevate our artistic and technical excellence, and stand the test of time for decades to come. With lavish new sets and costumes, this is a Swan Lake that audiences will come to again and again."
David Hallberg
Originally produced by Anne Woolliams after Petipa, additional choreography Ray Powell
Director David Hallberg
Guest Repetiteur Mark Kay
Dramaturgy and additional choreography Lucas Jervies
Music Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Costume design Mara Blumenfeld
Set design Daniel Ostling
Lighting design T.J. Gerckens
