A world premiere based on the life and writings of Oscar Wilde
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.
I believe we should be telling more honest stories in ballet, and I don’t want to be timid about telling this one.
David Hallberg
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.