Australian Ballet 'postpones' entire Melbourne season

The Australian Ballet has decided not to proceed with any of its remaining Melbourne season this year, because of the continuing uncertainty caused by the spread of Covid-19.

The company was to have staged a total of 44 performances over four different programs: Romeo and Juliet, Harlequinade, Anna Karenina and DanceX, the last of which would have brought together eight companies in a mini festival in September. It has not performed at its “home” theatre in Melbourne since March 2020, nearly 18 months ago.

A decision is expected later in September regarding its Sydney season, scheduled for November and December. 

“There has been so much hard work put into preparing for these seasons by the company’s artists, creatives, costume and production teams, it’s difficult to have to announce this today,” says TAB's Artistic Director, David Hallberg.

“The dancers have rehearsed to the highest standards for many weeks and it’s disappointing that the continuing uncertainty of lockdowns and restricted theatre capacities mean we will not be able to return to the stage and our very loyal audiences in the coming months. We have no choice but to make this decision."   

In a separate blow, the Queensland Ballet has also been forced to postpone its premiere of Peter and the Wolf. This children’s ballet was due to open on September 16 at the Judith Wright Arts Centre in Brisbane, but has been held over to next year because of “the disruption of the eight-day lockdown and ongoing uncertainty around theatre capacities.”

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