Screening of Rudolf Nureyev’s ‘Don Quixote’

This year, the organisation The Friends of The Australian Ballet is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary. One special event the organisation is hosting will be a commemorative film screening to remember ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev on Monday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.

The screening will present Nureyev’s Don Quixote, his choreographic take on the classic ballet, which was made into a landmark film 40 years ago. The screening will also preface The Australian Ballet’s 2013 Don Quixote Sydney season at the Sydney Opera House.

Starring Nureyev, Sir Robert Helpmann, Lucette Aldous and artists of The Australian Ballet, this marvellous film was produced in a suburban aircraft hangar and had its world premiere at the Sydney Opera House in July 1973. In the capacity of choreographer, director and co-star of the film, Nureyev directed The Australian Ballet utilising aspects of Petipa’s original choreography. The film version of Don Quixote was the culmination of a long held dream of Sir Robert Helpmann to blend the genius of Nureyev and The Australian Ballet.

Painstakingly restored and now available on Blu-ray DVD, this world-renowned film can now be enjoyed by one and all. Join Friends of The Australian Ballet in celebrating their anniversary and Nureyev’s genius prior to the opening of The Australian Ballet’s Sydney 2013 season. The event will also feature a behind-the-scenes talk hosted by Olga Tamara. 

The screening will be presented at The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, located at 380 Military Road in Cremorne. For more information call the Friends office on 02 9252 7322. Bookings can be made through the office by phone or through Orpheum’s Box Office. For more information, visit www.orpheum.com.au.