The Red Balloon, an original dance piece by award winning choreographer Aletta Collins will be coming to The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, from 23 to 25 April. Collins, choreographer of the Olivier Award winning stage productions His Dark Materials and Honk!, has created an enchanting new work especially for young people based on Albert Lamorisse's cult film and children's story Le Ballon Rouge (Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival, 1956).
This dream-like dance combines adventure, charm and excitement, while exploring the innocence of childhood and cruelty of others. The story follows Pascal, a young boy who discovers a stray red balloon that seems to have a mind of its own, and leads him on a journey through the streets of Paris. Life at home and school follow unexpected turns, and it is the reactions of a gang of children that finally bring about the tale's moving ending.
The captivating evocation of a 1950s Parisian childhood is brought alive through Collins' much-admired choreography and a new score commissioned by the Royal Opera House, by composers Mieko Shimizu and Peter Morris. Specialists in scoring for dance, theatre and film, their previous work includes music composition for BBC and Channel 4 productions, television commercials for Ford, and Yves Saint Lauren's final show for Paris fashion week.
Beautiful set designs are created by Olivier Award winning Giles Cadle, and costumes are designed by Gabrielle Dalton. Lighting is by Charles Balfour, who has designed extensively for dance, theatre and music for over 20 years.
The Red Balloon comes to Ipswich as an ROH2 production from the Royal Opera House On The Road, Covent Garden in partnership with DanceEast.
This unique performance will be a treat for all the family. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.
The New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, 23 - 25 April, 7pm
Family Dance Workshops, Saturday 25 April
Join the Royal Opera House team before the Saturday performances for a variety of creative activities for all the family. Through movement and workshops, explore some of the themes around The Red Balloon, and watch your own ideas come to life.
Children should be aged 7+ and must be accompanied by an adult. Workshops start at 10.30am and 4.00pm and last approximately 2 hours. -- www.danceeast.co.uk
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