After sell-out seasons in Europe, ballet icon Maina Gielgud returns to Australia to star in The
Exquisite Hour, to be seen exclusively in Sydney at the Theatre Royal from August 12th.

This thrilling work, inspired by Samuel Beckett's play Happy Days, has been created and directed by world renowned choreographer Maurice Béjart.

With 6 performances only, Maina Gielgud will be partnered by the great dramatic dancer and former Principal Artist of The Australian Ballet, Paul DeMasson.

Maina Gielgud was Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet for 14 years from 1983 to 1996 and transformed it into one of the finest international companies, introducing over 40 classical and modern works to the Company’s repertoire. Under her guidance the company grew in strength and reputation as Maina challenged dancers and audiences with existing and commissioned works by Australian and international choreographers. An Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia and recipient of an Advance Australia Award, Maina Gielgud has had a huge impact on the Australian and international ballet scene. Prior to her time with The Australian Ballet, Maina danced with the London Festival Ballet and The Royal Ballet, and created works for many companies including the London City Ballet. She is currently Senior Guest Coach with the English National Ballet.

The Exquisite Hour (L’Heure Exquise) portrays an aging ballerina, played by Maina Gielgud, whose relentless determination to see the positive in

everything is a way of denying the present. Paul DeMasson plays a humorous and empathetic character who sustains the ballerina, as she recalls glimpses from three phases of her life. Bejart’s vision is depicted through strong imagery, such as in the opening scene showing the ballerina enclosed in a giant 'skirt' made of a mound of old pointe shoes.

In an interview in Lausanne, Gielgud said she was “enchanted to be working with Béjart again” after having danced with his company from 1967 to 1971.

The late Maurice Béjart’s ‘rock star’ status and creative genius as a uniquely theatrical choreographer and producer is acknowledged throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. “I have permitted myself to work on one of the 20th Century’s most important plays, Happy Days by Samuel Beckett. It is not a danced adaptation, but in fact a composition simultaneously true to the spirit of the author, while in the domain of a purely abstract choreographic creation. The music comprises a montage of themes primarily by Webern, but also by Mahler and by Mozart” - Maurice Béjart.

The Exquisite Hour is presented in association with The Australian Ballet, with the last performance on Sunday August 17th at 3:00pm to include a Special Post-Performance question and answer session with Maina Gielgud, chaired by David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet.

Tickets go on Sale on Monday June 2nd.

The Exquisite Hour
Dates: August 12th-17th
Venue: Theatre Royal, 108 King Street, Sydney
Contact: Ticketek 1300 795 012 www.ticketek.com.au
www.exquisitehour.com.au