Extra events at the museum
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday February 12, 2011
Viewing the remarkable costumes isn't the only activity open to those who visit the exhibition. If you're interested in learning more about the collection and the troupe to whom it once belonged, there is a range of talks, activities and special events that may be of interest.Budding young artists can follow an exhibition trail, or indulge their inner creative in the family activity room. Activities on offer include painting, collage, plus set and costume design. On weekends next month, families are invited to watch Backstage at the Ballets Russes, a theatre production set during a rehearsal, which will introduce children to key characters including Sergei Diaghilev, Vaslav Nijinsky and choreographer Michel Fokine.Big kids are invited to late-night comedy, cabaret and music shows in the gallery's sculpture garden. Adults can also turn their hand to design through a series of art classes including line-block printing workshops and a dance class mimicking the exotic mystique of the Ballets Russes.Meanwhile, on March 10, the artistic director of the Sydney Dance Company, Rafael Bonachela, will join board member and former prima ballerina Darcey Bussell to co-host a lunch to discuss the grand tradition of the Ballets Russes, at the gallery's Gandel Hall.Special before- and after-hours events include free live sunset performances by gypsy world-fusion band Lolo Lovina; the Sydney Balalaika Orchestra, a 24-piece orchestra who evoke the romance and mystery of Russia with their traditional folk instruments; as well as a diverse dance program.Free guided tours and lectures feature the intellectual and creative brains behind the exhibition discussing the conservation process; the music composed for the Ballets Russes by Stravinsky, Prokofiev and Ravel; an insight into Diaghilev; and even an exploration of the Ballets Russes' impressions of Australia.A free film series delves deeper into the culture and relationships of those involved with the Ballets Russes.The series includes the diaries of Nijinsky depicting the tragic inner turmoil of this exquisite dancer and his erotic relationship with Diaghilev; a double screening of documentary films on the company's tours to Australia, with archival interviews with Max Dupain and dancers Irina Baronova and Valrene Tweedie and footage of the dancers relaxing at the beach; Ballets Russes, the documentary chronicling the history and personalities of the company; and Russian Ark, a dreamlike journey through the Russian State Hermitage Museum.
© 2011 Sydney Morning Herald