The Royal New Zealand Ballet hits the road again, concluding their touring season with a new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In a veritable coup for the Ballet world, RNZB secured Liam Scarlett, one of the world’s most sought after choreographers to produce his first ever main stage production.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream follows four lovers and a troupe of amateur actors against the backdrop of a royal wedding in the woodlands outside of Athens. Unwittingly they wander into an enchanted domain ruled by a meddling Fairy Kingdom; manipulation ensues. Multiple storylines provide plentiful opportunity to showcase the talents of the RNZB, and promises to undo any torturous memories of mandatory High School drama curriculum.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream premieres in Wellington at the St James Theatre from 20 to 23 August, accompanied by a live score performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The company will then hold Auckland audiences in awe at the ASB Theatre from 2 to 6 September, accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.