Oscar©
A world premiere based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde
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Melbourne / Naarm
13 - 24 September 2024
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Sydney / Warrang
8 - 23 November 2024
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Duration
2 hours and 8 minutes including a 25 minute interval
Buy tickets for Oscar©
★★★★★
“Daring ... fantastically rewarding.”
- The Age
★★★★
“a thrilling demonstration of The Australian Ballet’s ambition”
- ArtsHub
From the crowd: why Oscar is captivating Melbourne
Experience this daring new work
Join us for Oscar©, a spectacular new full-length ballet by Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, known for An American in Paris and MJ The Musical.
Wheeldon brings his signature blend of whimsy, drama and breathtaking visual storytelling to the stage once again with Oscar©, a powerful exploration of the life and writings of literary legend, Oscar Wilde.
In a celebration of the beauty and complexity of love in all its forms, Oscar© brings queer romance to life through Wheeldon’s innovative and heart-stirring choreography. Oscar© journeys through the extraordinary life of Wilde – a man who dared to live and write with unapologetic boldness – while masterfully integrating two of Wilde’s best-known works, The Nightingale and the Rose and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Blending the splendour of Wheelon’s visionary choreography with Jean-Marc Puissant’s dynamic sets and composer Joby Talbot’s (Wonka, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland©) sensational score, every scene will transport you into a dazzling visual world, while narration and vocal elements further enhance the immersive experience.
This production marks an exciting moment in The Australian Ballet’s history, where the art form evolves to reflect a more inclusive and diverse range of human experiences. Oscar© not only broadens the scope of ballet, but also opens avenues for emotional and narrative exploration.
Don’t miss this groundbreaking ballet experience.
Praise for Oscar©
“ “A towering artistic achievement, the world premiere of eagerly anticipated Christopher Wheeldon work Oscar© elevates The Australian Ballet to the envy of the international stage.” ”Man in Chair Review
Oscar© contains mature themes and sexually explicit content and may not be suitable for young audiences. Oscar© includes the use of theatrical haze and high-pitched prolonged noise.
David Hallberg's insight
“I believe we should be telling more honest stories in ballet, and I don’t want to be timid about telling this one.”
Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon presents the world premiere of Oscar©
Production credits
Choreography Christopher Wheeldon
Synopsis by Christopher Wheeldon and Joby Talbot based on an original idea by Alexander Wise and Christopher Wheeldon
Composer Joby Talbot
Published by Chester Music Ltd By permission of the Wise Music Group
Stage and costume design Jean-Marc Puissant
Lighting design Mark Henderson
Video design David Bergman
Assistant to the choreographer Jacquelin Barrett
Assistant to the choreographer Jason Fowler
Sound design Ned Prevezer
Intimacy Coordinator Amy Cater
Christopher Wheeldon’s Oscar© includes extracts from Neil McKenna’s book, The Secret Life of Oscar Wilde, copyright Neil McKenna, with kind permission from the author.
Music
Melbourne
With Orchestra Victoria
Sydney
With Opera Australia Orchestra