The coronavirus pandemic may have meant that Brecon Festival Ballet has to announce the postponement of its full production until 2021 but plans are afoot for a reduced performance at Theatr Brycheiniog later this year.
Brecon Festival Ballet is a not-for-profit company that was formed to present a brand-new production of The Nutcracker at Theatr Brycheiniog for Christmas 2019.
Not only was this the first time a professional version of this iconic ballet had been produced in Wales, it was also the first time that Theatr Brycheiniog had ever presented a full-length ballet with a live orchestra!
After the success of last year’s performances, the company was looking forward to once again bringing together professional dancers, the local community, young dance students, painters, prop makers, costume makers, crew, singers and musicians to recreate the magical ballet....but Covid-19 restrictions mean they will have to wait until Christmas 2021 to take to the stage again.
But, rather than shut up shop,the company has taken the decision to present a smaller ballet production this year, with 12 professional dancers.
This will feature a few highlights from The Nutcracker, a few excerpts from other well-known ballets, a brand new version of the Arabian Dance, a Flamenco solo, the possibility for local children to make a video appearance and the premiere of a brand new short ballet entitled “Plea”.
Katy Sinnadurai has choreographed this new piece for Brecon Festival Ballet which expresses the sorrow, frustration and isolation of the last few months.
If government regulations allow it, BFB will present this ballet programme at Theatr Brycheiniog in December 2020, on the very same dates as we would have done “The Nutcracker”. It means a lot to us to be able to give our wonderful dancers some work and to bring high quality ballet to the theatre’s audience.
If you’d like to find out more, or support the company as it navigates through this challenging time, please visit our website breconfestivalballet.com.
Thanks must go to Brecon Town Council, Brecon Rotary and The Friends of Brecon Festival Ballet for continuing to support the company at a time when the arts are struggling to survive.