It’s harvest time in the French country side in the 1950s.
Pretty Lise and young farmer Colas are in love and determined to be together. But their bliss is interrupted as the sweethearts discover that Lise’s mother, the meddling Widow Simone, is conspiring against them.
Simone wants better for her wayward daughter and has agreed that she should marry Alain, son of a pompous and wealthy vineyard owner. Shy, awkward and clumsy, Alain is hardly Lise’s idea of an ideal husband.
Encouraged by her friends, Lise becomes mischievous and contrives to avoid all of her mother’s attempts to unite her with Alain. The villagers’ joyous harvest celebration is abruptly stopped by a fierce thunderstorm, which has some surprising and amusing consequences. Eventually Simone sees that the love-struck couple are inseparable and gives them her blessing, much to the delight of all.
La Fille mal gardée is a delightful, whimsical and uplifting ballet for the whole family.
A ballet in two acts. Duration approximately two hours including one twenty-minute interval. Choreography: Marc Ribaud Music: Ferdinand Hérold/John Lanchbery (recorded music is used for the performance) Sets: Richard Roberts Costumes: Lexi De Silva Lighting: Jon Buswell
A co-production with West Australian Ballet
- Venue Format
- Theatre
- Technical Rating
- Considerations
Technical information will be provided upon request.
This production was premiered by West Australian Ballet on 5 September 2014. That company toured the work to Canberra Theatre in October 2015.
Queensland Ballet is a uniquely-spirited and creative performing arts company, dedicated to presenting world-class classical and contemporary ballet to inspire and entertain out audiences across Queensland.
- Company Website
- queenslandballet.com.au
Unique Selling Point
La Fille mal gardée is a well-known and loved classic of the ballet repertoire. Its delightful humour, sweet romance and memorable characters make it highly enjoyable entertainment. This version by celebrated choreographer Marc Ribaud sets the work in 1950s rural France, and the sets and costumes are vividly evocative of the period.
As Queensland Ballet undertakes regular intrastate tours, audiences are familiar with the Company’s offerings and know to expect a wonderfully engaging ballet which will meet or exceed their expectations of high production values and artistic excellence.
Marketing Materials
Queensland Ballet will provide a full suite of marketing collateral templates (including artwork for a DL flyer, A3 poster, press ad (two sizes) and 30 second TVC), promotional copy, images and press release. A Teachers’ Resource Kit will be offered, and rich content created for digital platforms which provides behind-the-scenes engagement experiences will also be available. Printed programs will be supplied.
Community Engagement
To provide a rich and memorable ballet experience to regional communities, Queensland Ballet delivers a creative engagement program crafted around each touring performance.
A teaching artist from Queensland Ballet’s EdSquad will travel with the Company to deliver a range of community engagement activities, including children/teenagers’ dance workshops, pre-performance ballet storytelling in the foyer and a post-performance Q&A and discussion with Artistic staff and dancers.
Teachers’ resource materials which include curriculum-relevant activities are offered to enrich students’ experience of the live performance.
Comments/Reviews
The Australian
Media Review
"French-born Marc Ribaud brings an inexhaustible energy to the dramatic treatment of this simple story and his refined choreography — high-spirited village dances and antics, winsome duets — is captivating." (Read More)
Dance Australia
Media Review
"... an entertaining evening of romance, humour, larger-than-life characters, a touch of pathos... and a joyous ending." (Read More)
The West Australian
Media Review
"With its summery colours, southern-France setting and 1950s-inspired choreography and design, this production of La Fille mal gardee is exuberant." (Read More)