The Australian Ballet

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Oscar©

A world premiere based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde

  • Melbourne / Naarm

    13 - 24 September 2024

  • Sydney / Warrang

    8 - 23 November 2024

  • Duration

    2 hours and 8 minutes including a 25 minute interval

Buy tickets for Oscar©

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★★★★★

“Daring ... fantastically rewarding.”

- The Age

★★★★

“a thrilling demonstration of The Australian Ballet’s ambition”

- ArtsHub

From the crowd: why Oscar is captivating Melbourne

Red Carpet

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©

A broody Callum Linnane dressed in period costume has his face illuminated partly, the rest of his body and background hidden by darkness.

Callum Linnane
Photo Simon Eeles

Ballet dancer Callum Linnane holds a green rose next to his face in front of a dark green curtain.

Callum Linnane
Photo Simon Eeles

Synopsis and cast sheets

Select the location to view synopsis and cast sheets

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Jarryd Madden, Artists of The Australian Ballet
Photo Daniel Boud

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Principal Artist Ako Kondo
Photo Daniel Boud

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Katherine Sonnekus, Adam Elmes
Photo Daniel Boud

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Sara Andrlon
Photo Daniel Boud

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Artists of The Australian Ballet
Photo Daniel Boud

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Artists of The Australian Ballet
Photo Daniel Boud

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

Oscar© has been generously funded by Lady Potter AC CMRI and The David Hallberg Fund for Artistic Aspiration and The Robert and Elizabeth Albert Music Fund.

We thank our production partners

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Season 2024