Classic tale of impossible love is still sprightly at 200 years young.

Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
March 26, 2015

The oldest Romantic ballet to be continuously performed since its premiere in the early nineteenth century, La Sylphide is a tragic tale of impossible love. When the Scotsman James awakes on his wedding day to find a winged sylph at his side, he falls in love with her – abandoning his fiancée and family, he chases the elusive creature through the forest, but must eventually pay the price for trying to possess the unattainable.

This year marks 200 years since the birth of La Sylphide’s composer, Herman Severin von Løvenskjold, who composed it in less than 6 months at the age of twenty-one. The memorable score was beautifully performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, skilfully conducted by Music Director Andrew Morgelia.

Peter Schaufuss’ choreography after August Bournonville has earned an Olivier and Evening Standard Award, and is praised by Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin as “the best La Sylphide in the world”. Fast-paced, exact footwork, intense allegro and dramatic pantomime combine to imitate the style of August Bournonville’s early productions. Schaufuss also has a family history with La Sylphide stretching back almost...