Swan Lake

1 – 20 December 2023

In the Joan Sutherland Theatre

The Australian Ballet

The timeless Swan Lake is reinvented by Artistic Director David Hallberg as the centrepiece of The Australian Ballet’s 60th anniversary celebrations. This work will reinterpret the time-honoured masterpiece as never witnessed before, redefining ballet history for generations to come. 

A dynamic new vision of a timeless classic

An enduring love story that has played a recurring role in the history of The Australian Ballet, the timeless Swan Lake is reinvented by Artistic Director David Hallberg in 2023. Inspired by Anne Woolliams’ 1977 production, this creation marks David Hallberg’s first major commission for the company as the centrepiece of their 60th anniversary celebrations.

Exploring the ballet’s themes of yearning, betrayal and love through a refreshing new lens, this adaptation will embody the beauty and power of the art form and honour our company’s commitment to classical repertoire. Through David’s vision, audiences will be enraptured with ballet’s iconic characters: Prince Siegfried, the Swan Queen Odette and her evil counterpart Odile, in a story of doomed love that continues to move audiences all over the world.

Set to Tchaikovsky’s poignant score, Swan Lake presents ballet's most famous scenes, including the resplendent Act II pas de deux for Siegfried and Odette. This Swan Lake reinterprets the time-honoured masterpiece as never witnessed before, a work that will redefine ballet history for generations to come.

Presented by The Australian Ballet, with Opera Australia Orchestra

Trailer

Our 60th year is a fitting moment to create a classical version of Swan Lake. One that will stand proud as a choreographically modern representation of The Australian Ballet, further elevate our artistic and technical excellence, and stand the test of time for decades to come. With lavish new sets and costumes, this is a Swan Lake that audiences will come to again and again.

David Hallberg, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet

Artist information

Originally produced by 
Anne Woolliams after Petipa

Additional choreography
Ray Powell

Director 
David Hallberg

Guest Repetiteur 
Mark Kay

Dramaturgy and additional choreography 
Lucas Jervies

Music 
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Costume design 
Mara Blumenfeld

Set design 
Daniel Ostling

Lighting design 
T.J. Gerckens

Other information

You may also like

Flora

7 – 18 Apr 2026

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet
Two dancers in off-white textured costume with arms interlocked and white clay on their bare arms, against a dark green background.

Hansel and Gretel

27 Jan – 28 Feb 2026

  • Opera
  • Opera Australia

The Sleeping Beauty

21 Nov – 17 Dec 2025

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • The Australian Ballet

Checking availability