'Everyone has a history with Romeo and Juliet' | Hallberg in Conversation with Fiona Tonkin

Artistic Director David Hallberg sits down with Artistic Associate and Principal Coach Fiona Tonkin to talk about her history with Romeo and Juliet. Discover more: bit.ly/TABRJ Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly/3hBJ2WH
In the history of dance, there are only a handful of productions that translate Shakespeare’s story of tragic love into compelling ballet form. John Cranko’s majestic version is one of them. His Romeo and Juliet premiered in 1962, the year The Australian Ballet was founded, and generations of our dancers have grown up with the production and gone on to shine in its many dream roles.
An artist who effortlessly fused dance and drama, Cranko richly evokes the grandeur of the Capulets’ ball, the fierce clashes of the rival families and the brief, luminous flare of young love. His choreography seems to flow spontaneously out of Sergei Prokofiev’s score, which has proven itself as immortal as Shakespeare’s play. As clearly as words could, the music lays out the progress of the story, evoking swordplay, ecstasy, murder and the looming approach of the lovers’ fate.
Jürgen Rose’s dramatically resonant design captures the pageantry of medieval Verona, contrasting the heavy splendour of the aristocratic elder generation with the billowing fabrics of the young lovers’ carefree abandon.
Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet binds artists and audiences in a profound emotional experience that will linger long after the curtain falls.
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[@christophergoldsworthy9932]

A most entertaining conversation. Had the pleasure of partnering Fiona as Lord Paris. Also have the pleasure of being married to her. So wonderful to see Cranko's R&J back on stage after a 19 year absence. It is part of TAB's DNA. A lovely gift to a new generation.

[@caitlinmaree251]

We must protect Fiona Tonkin at all costs, she is such a darling

[@tempo9198]

I find these “conversations “ so revealing and informative. My first R&J, if I remember correctly, was Stuttgart’s tour in 1971(?) … I was in heaven watching Marcia Haydee and Richard Cragun steal my teenage heart!

[@vionalowenthal1231]

Thank you for this very intimate, personal discussion. I was a student atThe Stuttgart Ballet Akademie, so I was blessed to see this Cranko version many times in Stuttgart. The Australian ballet also do it justice. They have really matured both emotionally and technically!!!

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

Shakespeare needs to be seen. Romeo and Juliet is so beautiful as a ballet

[@bookie_wookiee]

I have my Sydney ticket. I can't wait! I haven't seen a production of R&J since 2001 at the Entertainment Centre.

[@windsordance3698]

Cranko’s version will always be my favourite. I first saw it in 1974 with Maina Gielgud & Gary Norman. I have never forgotten the magic!👏👏🩰

[@tharris04]

She is so beautiful! I wish I could’ve seen her dance.

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

She was magic,I was lucky enough to see her a couple of times back in the day

[@christinewilkinson323]

Her Juliet was sublime! There is a recording of it when they performed it at the State Theatre in Melbourne, I think in the very early 90’s - maybe even 1990. At the end, when she comes out for her curtain call, you can see the emotion; it’s like she truly was Juliet.

[@windsordance3698]

A brilliant dramatic dancer, always one of my favourite ballerinas❤