Manuscript for ballet suite

Orchestral music for the ballet Corroboree

Dancing with Rhythm

Corroboree’s first fully staged production in Sydney’s Empire Theatre on 3 July 1950 was greeted with great enthusiasm and hailed as a triumph. Although it was not the first Australian composition to take inspiration from Aboriginal culture, Corroboree’s innovative and vibrant expression of a distinctly Australian subject captivated audiences to an unprecedented degree.

Antill’s meticulous, brightly coloured drawings of Aboriginal totems and ceremonial dress, together with his choreographic outline, became the primary inspiration for choreographer Rex Reid and costume designer Robin Lovejoy in their work on this premiere production.

The score’s striking use of rhythm and the freshness of its orchestration have brought frequent comparisons with Stravinsky’s ballet score, The rite of spring, but Antill did not hear this work until after the first performance of Corroboree.
Display item Manuscript for ballet suite

 

< Previous Exhibit | Back to The Exhibits page | Next Exhibit >