Brisbane Ballet

Immerse yourself in an evening of breathtaking dance with Brisbane Ballet’s captivating double bill, Aquila, derived from Latin, meaning “eagle.” This title evokes the soaring essence of dance in perfect harmony with music. Prepare for an unforgettable evening of heart-stirring performances that will evoke a spectrum of emotions, from profound sadness to radiant joy. Be ready to be spellbound.

Morbus is a soul-stirring modern ballet that weaves a tragic tale of forbidden love, divine retribution, and enduring sorrow. Set to the transcendent music of J.S. Bach, Handel, Purcell, Rameau, and Vivaldi, with choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy, the ballet unfolds the story of a fallen angel who, captivated by a human woman, defies divine will to love her. Condemned by God for his transgression, their children are cursed with disease and death as a merciless punishment. The ballet’s emotional intensity, celestial staging, and poignant movement embody the anguish of love’s consequences and the weight of divine judgment. Morbus captures the eternal struggle between passion and fate, leaving audiences spellbound by its haunting beauty.

In the Shadow of Love is a poignant modern ballet inspired by William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 144, weaving a tragic narrative of love lost, betrayal, and unfulfilled devotion. Set to the haunting, minimalist music of Arvo Pärt, with choreography by Emrys Goldsworthy, the ballet reimagines the sonnet’s love triangle through a contemporary lens: a woman and man meet and fall deeply in love, but her discovery of a fatal illness leads her to entrust a friend with a message of her love and impending death. The friend, consumed by her own desire for the man, betrays her, pursuing him and leaving the woman’s love to fade in the shadows. The ballet’s emotional depth, shadowy staging, and evocative movement capture the timeless pain of love lost, echoing the sonnet’s themes of doubt, despair, and betrayal.