When the Royal New Zealand Ballet reprises Swan Lake on the Christchurch stage, it will be paying homage to one of the city’s own, Russell Kerr.
A pioneer of ballet in Aotearoa, Russell Kerr first produced Swan Lake in the 1960s, while artistic director at the still fledgling New Zealand Ballet Company. He brought it back to the stage in the 1990s, this time with dazzling costume designs by Kristian Fredrikson.
The same costumes have been dusted off for this production, re-staged by former RNZB Ballet Mistress Turid Revfeim.
It’s an early reminder for new RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall of just how deep the love and respect for Kerr goes. “This production holds so many precious memories for generations of New Zealanders. With Russell’s passing in 2022, our season is imbued with even more emotion, as we recognise his incredible talent and honour one of the true luminaries of ballet in Aotearoa.”
The production marks another passing, that of Jon Trimmer last year.
In previous productions, the character role of Wolfgang, Prince Siegfried’s tutor, was danced by Sir Jon. This time the role goes to recently retired RNZB Principal Paul Mathews, husband of Mayu Tanigaito, who dances Odette/Odile in this production.
He’s also feeling the gravitas of the moment. “I shared many character roles with Sir Jon over my career and we would talk in depth about character development so I will incorporate those gems of wisdom. Reconnecting with the RNZB and honouring Russell Kerr and Jon Trimmer, who both did so much for ballet in New Zealand, was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down.”
For Mayu Tanigaito, it’s her first opportunity to dance the ballet’s main role. She admits it is late in her career to do so but feels she has been working towards this moment her whole career.