Opera-ballet decisions

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32775, 27 November 1971, Page 20

Opera-ballet decisions

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON. Nov. 26. Decisions to ensure ballet and opera activity during 1972 have been made by the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council.

Announcing this, the chairman of the council’s theatre arts sub-committee (Prefessor J. C. Reid) said bold and progressive plans were put to his committee by a group of experts in Wellington this week. The plans allow the development of both art forms next year, in line with the council’s call for a period of reduced activity in ballet and opera. Professor Reid said the group’s blueprint could lay!' the groundwork and point to! the new directions which opera and ballet were likely to take after 1972. “It represents a flexible framework into which a new artistic policy can fit,” he said. Auditions for dancers would be held in Wellington : next month to form the nucleus of a small ballet ensemble of high quality. “Singers will be needed for i chamber opera during the : Auckland Festival next year, i

and may also be employed, earlier, during the first phase of the development of an opera ensemble,” Professor Reid said. A performing arts steer-

ing committee would be established soon to supervise the refinement of the opera and ballet plans. “This committee can be assured of full support from the council. The council is determined to provide opera and ballet to the community in a wide and practical context which opens up a secure field of employment for artists and supporting staff,” ihe said.

The three-phase development of opera and ballet, which, it was hoped, would get under way fully in 1973, had as primary aims the reestablishment of “live” theatre tours to small communities throughout the country; playing to as many schoolchildren as possible; and looking to prestige, by filling slots in festivals and television programmes.