The Exquisite Hour

Editorial Review

One of ballet's legendary dancers returns to the stage for this classic piece of ballet theatre.

Event Details

Event Type:

Ballet

Editorial Review

12-17 August 2008
Theatre Royal
108 King St, Sydney

A ballerina sits on the stage, imprisoned by a mound of old pointe shoes piling high up to her waist. This symbolic scene opens Maurice Bejart's thrilling ballet The Exquisite Hour, which tells the tale of an ageing ballerina who deals with the present by relentlessly seeing the positive in everything. Set to a stirring soundtrack montage by Webern, Mahler and Mozart, a male companion spurs the aged ballerina on as she breaks free and dances once more, recalling moments from her past.

Inspired by Samuel Beckett's Happy Days and created and directed by the late, renowned choreographer Maurice Bejart, The Exquisite Hour features ballet icon Maina Gielgud in her farewell season as a ballerina. Considered to be one of the greatest dancers in classical ballet, the 63-year-old has previously danced with London Festival Ballet and the Royal Ballet, and was the artistic director of the Australian Ballet for 14 years. Gielgud is joined on stage by former Australian Ballet principal dancer Paul DeMasson who plays a watchful and sympathetic sidekick to the ballerina's journey.

Since its premiere in Switzerland in 2002, The Exquisite Hour has played to sell-out audiences across Europe. The ballet debuts in Australia this winter, with Gielgud returning to the Australian stage for six exclusive performances.

Michelle Ho