Adelaide will become the centre of Australia's ballet world in 2027, with the city announced as the exclusive host of the world premiere season of The Australian Ballet's major revival of Cinderella.
The production will run at the Adelaide Festival Centre from 1 to 11 September 2027, as part of celebrations marking The Australian Ballet's 65th anniversary.
Featuring Sir Frederick Ashton's original choreography and Sergei Prokofiev's iconic music performed live by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the production is expected to attract ballet lovers from across the country.
The production is part of an extensive program of activities and events in and around the Festival Centre.
Ballet en Masse will transform the Festival Plaza into an open-air dance studio, with The Australian Ballet to welcome thousands of people of all ages and abilities to a free ballet class.
The Cinderella: Origins of a Fairytale exhibition will feature costumes and rare collection objects, including the original coach from the 1972 Sir Frederick Ashton production of Cinderella. The original Australian premiere of that production starred South Australian-born theatre legend Sir Robert Helpmann.
Talking Ballet, a series of conversations, will be held at Quartet Bar and Angry Penguin restaurant, along with workshops and classes delivered by The Australian Ballet.
The Australian Ballet Artistic Director David Hallberg said premiering the revived production of Cinderella in Adelaide carried special significance during the company's anniversary year.
"We have a deep appreciation for our Adelaide audiences and donors, who have supported us here over many years, so I'm delighted to be bringing this dazzling production to Adelaide and celebrate that connection," Hallberg said.
He said the production had been made possible thanks to The Australian Ballet's giving community, led by South Australian philanthropists Dr Pamela Wall AO and the James & Diana Ramsay Foundation.
Adelaide Festival Centre chief executive Kate Gould said the premiere reinforced Adelaide's growing reputation as a destination for major cultural events.
"This once-in-a-generation moment showcases Adelaide Festival Centre as a venue where major cultural works are not simply hosted but launched, cementing South Australia's place in the national touring circuit," she said.
To join a waitlist for priority access to tickets for both Cinderella and Ballet en Masse, visit Adelaide Festival Centre website.
