ThePiano:theballet

25 years ago, cinemagoers around the world were captivated by an extraordinary tale of desire, violence and hope. The story of Ada McGrath and her daughter Flora, husband Alastair and lover Baines unfolded against the wild grandeur and desolation of Aotearoa, as Jane Campion's award-winning film took audiences on a visceral journey into New Zealand's imagined past, as it had never been portrayed before.

Drawing on the rich inspiration of The Piano, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is honoured to stage the world premiere of this new full-length dance work by Jiří Bubeníček. Originally conceived as a short work for Dortmund Ballet, The Piano: the ballet is now re-imagined and expanded for the RNZB, giving Ada's story a new and distinctively New Zealand voice and, in dance, a powerful new means of expression. Excerpts from Michael Nyman's iconic film score are blended with evocative music by Debussy, Arensky, Stravinsky, Schnittke, Brahms and Shostakovich.

EXTRA: Free Festival Talks

Pre-performance talk
RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker provides an insight into the creation of this new full-length ballet. Learn about the creatives’ intentions and the stimulating challenges encountered to bring this production to life. Limited seating so please arrive early in order to secure a seat.
Fri 9 March 6.30pm
Air New Zealand Foyer (Level 5), Aotea Centre

Post-Matinee Q&A
A Q&A session (10-15 mins) with RNZB dancers follows the matinee performance of The Piano: the ballet (for matinee performance ticketholders only)
Sat 10 March 3.20pm
ASB Theatre Auditorium, Aotea Centre 

Warm up! Curtain up!
A unique opportunity to watch the dancers as they warm up for their evening performance. Entry by gold coin donation (for those holding tickets to the 7.30pm Sat 10 March performance)
Sat 10 March 6.20pm
ASB Theatre Auditorium, Aotea Centre