Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) unveils a free program of community events to engage more Queenslanders than ever during the 2025 QPAC International Series, featuring an exclusive Australian season of Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake at the Lyric Theatre from 31 May to 7 June 2025.
Founded in 1985 by visionary French choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, the Aix-en-Provence-based Ballet Preljocaj, which captivated QPAC audiences in 2016 with a sold-out Snow White, is celebrated for redefining ballet. Known for his bold reinterpretation of classic story ballets, Preljocaj’s Swan Lake blends elements of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s original choreography with daring innovation and deep respect.
On Monday 2 June, in association with Alliance Française de Brisbane, QPAC will present a free exclusive screening of Valérie Müller’s documentary La Force de l’âge (The Prime of Life) in the Lyric Theatre, followed by a panel discussion with Film Director Valérie Müller and Angelin Preljocaj. Erica Rose Jeffrey, Director and Founding Teacher of Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, along with Zara Gomes from Queensland Ballet’s Van Norton Li Community Health Institute, will join the discussion hosted by Rebecca Levingston.
The uplifting documentary follows more than 300 individuals over the age of 65 as they audition for a chance to perform onstage at the prestigious Théâtre National de Chaillot in Paris in a daring new dance production by Preljocaj.
The behind-the-scenes insights continue after select performances of Swan Lake in the Lyric Theatre, when audiences are invited to attend free panel discussions with speakers from Ballet Preljocaj and the fields of dance, orchestral music and academia. These conversations will take place after the performances on 1.30pm Saturday 31 May, 6.30pm Tuesday 3 June and 7.30pm Friday 6 June.
To extend the reach of the Australian premiere season, between Friday 13 and Sunday 15 June, 17 venues around the state will host special screenings of Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake, with music by Queensland Symphony Orchestra, performed and recorded in Brisbane.
The Queensland-only broadcast will be free to attend at Brolga Theatre (Maryborough), Dalby Players Little Theatre, Forest View Residential Aged Care (Wondai), Gladstone Entertainment Centre, Kingaroy Performing Arts Centre, Leichhardt Centre (Miles), HOTA Cinema (Gold Coast), Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Moncrieff Entertainment Centre (Bundaberg), Mount Isa Civic Centre, Nanango Cultural Centre, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Redland Performing Arts Centre (Cleveland), Roma Cultural Centre, Studio 188 (Ipswich), The Clink Theatre (Port Douglas) and The J(Noosa).
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said more Queenslanders than ever before would experience Ballet Preljocaj’s unique style and cultural impact.
“When we bring companies like Ballet Preljocaj to QPAC, which are the best in the world at what they do, we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to experience their work,” Ms Healy said.
“Angelin and Ballet Preljocaj completely throw out the rules of ballet, and whether you are witnessing their magic in the theatre or on the big screen, I am confident audiences will be challenged and inspired by this new interpretation of a masterpiece.
“We couldn’t reach such broad audiences without the collaboration of our partner venues across Queensland; and we’re incredibly grateful for their shared passion for the arts and applaud their commitment to ensuring their communities can experience this internationally acclaimed company.”
To further encourage cultural exchange during the QPAC season, Queensland dance groups will participate in masterclasses held by Ballet Preljocaj dancers.
For further information about the free Queensland broadcasts of Ballet Preljocaj’s Swan Lake, visit each venue’s website. Additional Queensland venues interested in hosting a screening are invited to submit expressions of interest here.
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