Sydney Sees Red

Established in 1953, the Royal New Zealand Ballet had humble beginnings, performing nationwide with a company of three and a pianist. Now 32-strong, and with an international reputation to boot, the RNZB perform Red in Sydney, a triple-bill of works by contemporary choreographers. Artistic director Gary Harris says in touring Australia, there is no point bringing classic works long familiar to audiences. The company has performed in Australia before, but Harris hopes to do a Sydney season every two years. “It’s important for the general standard of the company to be compared and critiqued by outside eyes,” he says. Later this year, the RNZB perform Romeo & Juliet, and in celebration of Sir Jon Trimmer’s 50th year with the company, Don Quixote.