The Miraculous Mandarin

A rare performance of Bela Bartok's scandalous ballet.
Jasmine Crittenden
June 08, 2018

Overview

Based on the story of an erotic dancer and three tramps who try to use her to earn money, Bela Bartok's ballet The Miraculous Mandarin (1926) was banned immediately after premiering in Cologne, Germany, on the grounds of its scandalous morality. Rarely performed since then, the one-act show will be taking over Lower Town Hall on Friday, August 17.

The event is a collaboration between student-run orchestra Ensemble Apex, conducted by Sam Weller, and dancers from Sydney Dance Company's pre-professional year program, directed by choreographer Nelson Earl.

Also on the program are the world premieres of pieces by young composers Lewis Mosley and Josephine Macken, as well as Strauss's 'Dance of the Seven Veils' and Ravel's 'Introduction' and 'Allegro' for wind, strings and harp.

Every ticket — $30 for adults; $10 for students and under 30s — includes a free drink, courtesy of Newtown-based brewer Young Henrys

Images: Christie Brewster

Information

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