The Merry Widow : a ballet in three acts is the next program in the Music and Dance on Film series, to be screened this Wednesday July 20 in Arts.

ABC, 1997

ABC, 1997

With music by Lehar, this 1993 production of The Merry Widow features Lisa Pavane, Steven Heathcote, Rebecca Yates, David McAllister and artists of The Australian Ballet.  It was filmed live at the State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre.  Artistic Director, Maina Gielgud. Scenario and Staging, Robert Helpmann. With the State Orchestra of Victoria
(now Orchestra Victoria), conducted by Noel Smith.

As possibly the most popular work in the repertoire of  The Australian Ballet, The Merry Widow recently performed a sell-out season at the Arts Centre as part of the 2011 series.  The spectacular sets & costumes from Robert Helpmann’s original 1975 production created for The Australian Ballet, were restored and refurbished for this revival to great effect. 

Wikimedia Commons, 2007

Wikimedia Commons, 2007

Dance highlights in The Merry Widow include the fantastic national dances performed by party guests at the beginning of Act 2, and the ecstatic waltz performed by Hanna and Danilo at the conclusion of Act 3.

Scene from The Merry Widow, National Ballet of Canada.

Scene from The Merry Widow, National Ballet of Canada.

The Merry Widow commences at 12.00 noon and concludes at 1.30 pm (approx).  It will be held in the Arts Listening-Viewing Room. Enter via the Arts Reading Room and Audio-Visual Centre (from Trescowthick Information Centre).  Admission is free.  No bookings required, but come early as seating is limited.

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