BALLET THIS WEEK

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33665, 15 October 1974, Page 12

BALLET THIS WEEK

A Thursday opening in the James Ijay Theatre is planned by I the Christchurch Ballet (Society for its 1974 production, “La Fille Mai Gardee.” The ballet will have a J season of three nights, ending on Saturday. The literal translation of the title of the two-act ballet is “The Girl Badly Guarded.” ( The music is by various com-; posers. The is of a girl | named Lise, whose mother wishes her to marrv a rich simpleton named Alain. Lise is in love with the handsome Colas, and Lise and Colas try to persuade the Widow Simona, Lise’s

mother, to allow them to marry. The Christchurch Ballet Society presents a production each year. Parts are i auditioned for, and filled by, children and older girls and I boys from local ballet j schools. j The society is self supporting, except for a Sports and ! Recreation Fund grant, this [year for the professional ■choreographer and producer. I Costumes are made by the : committee, as is most of the i scenery. The sets and scenery were designed by the producer, Vai Deakin, and are being constructed under the direction of Derek Crowther, who has with the Royal

Canadian Ballet and with companies in England and on the Continent. The leads in "La Fille Mai Gardee,” or "The Badly Guarded Girl,” are danced by Deborah-Anne Olley, a 13I year-old pupil from Avonside 'Girls’ High School, and David Peake, who is also the ballet i master. Vai Deakin, who comes from New Plymouth, has worked in ballet in the I United Kingdom, America, | and Turkey.