West Australian Ballet will revive its multi award-winning production of Dracula in 2026, bringing the gothic ballet back to Perth before touring to Adelaide for the first interstate season in more than a decade.
Created for the company in 2018 by internationally renowned Polish choreographer Krzysztof Pastor, the full-length work draws on Bram Stoker’s classic novel and is set to a sweeping score by composer Wojciech Kilar. Sets and costumes are by Phil R. Daniels and Charles Cusick Smith.
Since its premiere, Dracula has been seen by more than 37,000 people across Western Australia and has also gained international recognition, with performances by Finnish National Opera and Ballet and Polish National Ballet.
The 2026 revival marks a new chapter for the production, with a fresh generation of West Australian Ballet artists stepping into the central roles of Old Dracula, Young Dracula, Mina and Jonathan Harker. For several dancers, the season will mark their first time leading the work.
West Australian Ballet Artistic Director Leanne Stojmenov said the return of the production carries particular significance as the company approaches its 75th anniversary.
“Now, the story enters an exciting new chapter at West Australian Ballet. As we move toward our 75th anniversary next year, this production stands as one of the most celebrated achievements in our recent history, a work that has played a vital role in shaping our artistic journey and success.”
Pastor will return to Perth to rehearse the revival in the company’s Maylands studios before travelling with the dancers to Adelaide for the tour. The visit marks his first time working in Perth since his critically acclaimed production of Swan Lake for West Australian Ballet in 2022.
“Dracula returns not as it was, but revitalised, and ready to inspire audiences once again,” Stojmenov said.
The Adelaide season will run from 17 to 22 April at Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre. The production then returns to Perth for performances from 15 to 30 May at His Majesty’s Theatre, accompanied by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
Dracula is a co-production with Queensland Ballet.