Nijinsky
The Australian Ballet
Precisely 75 years after Nijinsky’s passing, John Neumeier’s Nijinsky returns to lead The Australian Ballet’s Season 2025, honouring the dancer whose raw, emotional performances once electrified audiences across Europe.
Nearly a decade since it was last performed, this powerful tribute to one of dance’s most beloved and tragic figures will be staged in Melbourne from 21 February to 1 March 2025 at the Regent Theatre, before heading to Sydney from 4 to 22 April 2025 at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
Nijinsky is a poignant exploration of the life and mind of Vaslav Nijinsky, the world’s first male ballet superstar. Born in 1889 in Kyiv to a Polish family, Nijinsky displayed prodigious talent from a young age, rising to fame in the early 20th century. His extraordinary jumps and leaps set new standards for male dancers, and his groundbreaking choreography for works such as The Afternoon of a Faun and The Rite of Spring revolutionised ballet, blending raw emotion with innovative movement.
Nijinsky is not merely a biography but a deeply psychological exploration of a complex artist. Choreographed by John Neumeier, the ballet intertwines Nijinsky’s extraordinary artistic achievements with his internal struggles, offering an intimate portrayal of his genius amidst turmoil. The non-linear narrative delves into Nijinsky’s fragmented mind, drawing on his memories and hallucinations, taking audiences on a journey through moments of brilliance and profound suffering.
The Australian Ballet Artistic Director, David Hallberg, said “We open the 2025 season with the return of John Neumeier’s Nijinsky, a ballet that left an unforgettable impression nearly a decade ago. This year, our repertoire is a tribute to the power of storytelling, and Nijinsky sets the stage for a season filled with iconic works that explore profound human experiences. With its raw energy and emotional depth, this masterpiece is the perfect beginning to a year devoted to the art of narrative through dance.”
The ballet’s creator, John Neumeier, masterfully blends intricate choreography with profound storytelling. Nijinsky transcends the conventional bounds of traditional ballet, creating a psychological portrait of the dancer that delves deeply into his internal world. Neumeier’s portrayal of Nijinsky reflects both the performer and the philosopher, capturing the essence of a troubled genius through movement. The choreography not only highlights Nijinsky’s remarkable technique but also his vulnerability, showcasing the emotional and mental battles that accompanied his artistic brilliance.
As Nijinsky’s story unfolds, the ballet showcases some of his most iconic roles, including the Faun, the Puppet Petrushka, and the Golden Slave, all while confronting the turmoil of the artist’s later years. Set to a score by Chopin, Schumann, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Shostakovich, performed by Orchestra Victoria, the production’s evocative score adds to its emotional power.
Set against the opulence of early 20th-century Paris, the sets and costumes reflect the glamour and eccentricity of the Ballets Russes, immersing the audience in Nijinsky’s world and vision. This revival of Nijinsky gives The Australian Ballet’s male dancers an opportunity to showcase their artistry in a role that challenges both technically and emotionally, pushing the boundaries of what ballet can express.
Melbourne
21 February – 1 March 2025
Regent Theatre
With Orchestra Victoria
Sydney
4 – 22 April 2025
Joan Sutherland Theatre
Sydney Opera House
With Opera Australia Orchestra
Bookings: https://australianballet.com.au/performances/nijinsky
