For Loughlan Prior, choreographer of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of Hansel & Gretel, opening night last month in Wellington was tinged with sadness – that morning, New Zealanders woke to the news that company stalwart Sir Jon Trimmer had died.
Loughlan dedicated the opening performance to the madcap spirit and love for theatre magic of ‘Jonty’, as Sir Jon was universally known in the ballet world.
To Loughlan, Sir Jon was an inspirational performer and teacher, a mentor and a dear friend. Words fall short, he says, when it comes to describing the trailblazing legacy and the influence of Sir Jon on the New Zealand dance landscape over 60 years.
With Hansel & Gretel now touring the country and heading to Christchurch, Loughlan says he likes to think Sir Jon is “watching from above as we perform with gratitude and full hearts”.
In its own acknowledgment, the Royal New Zealand Ballet said that for tens of thousands of New Zealanders, seeing Sir Jon onstage was the start of a lifelong love of dance – “He opened the door of the theatre and welcomed everyone in.”
The Royal New Zealand Ballet first brought Hansel & Gretel to Christchurch in 2019. Loughlan worked with composer Claire Cowan and designer Kate Hawley to create a magical world for their interpretation of the classic fairy tale. Loughlan pushes traditional boundaries with cabaret-style dances throughout, and Kate Hawley fills the stage with boogie men, dew fairies, gingerbread men, and a witch, of course.