Canada’s Ballet Jörgen re-envisions Swan Lake

January 13, 2017

Uniquely Canadian production staged at River Run Centre Saturday, January 28

GUELPH, ON January 13, 2017 – Featuring lavish sets, incredible costumes and world-class dancers, Ballet Jörgen’s Swan Lake re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet. The uniquely Canadian production comes to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Saturday, January 28, at 2 p.m. as part of the RBC Showcase Series and sponsored by Audi Kitchener-Waterloo.

Set in the picturesque seascape of the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Swan Lake begins as a beautiful young maiden picks flowers in a meadow, anxiously anticipating her betrothal and marriage. She is soon spotted by Von Rothbartz, a sorcerer and creature of the woods. Struck by her beauty, Von Rothbartz captures the maiden and turns her into a swan for his personal possession. The performance that follows tells a timeless tale of love and sacrifice.

“In look and feel and intent, this is a Canadian Swan Lake,” the Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal says of Ballet Jörgen’s production.

Ballet Jörgen’s Swan Lake was created as part of marking the company’s 25th anniversary, with artistic director and CEO Bengt Jörgen re-envisioning Tchaikovsky’s timeless work. The production’s elaborate sets – designed by Camellia Koo – provide a dramatic backdrop for Robert Doyle’s 17th-century costume designs.

“We engage in a dialogue about Canada and reflect Canadian identity in our work,” Jörgen says of the production. “There’s no reason why Swan Lake has to be staged in some imaginary medieval European place… Our audiences will see Canadian heritage intrinsically reflected in the piece. I am so excited about this work and to be able to do it with the kind of incredible dancers that we have.”

Tickets to see Ballet Jörgen’s Swan Lake cost $42 for adults, $40 for seniors and students and $25 for children 14 and under. $20 uGO tickets are available to university and college students with valid ID. $5 eyeGO tickets are available to high school students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at River Run Centre box office, 35 Woolwich St. in Guelph, by calling 519-763-3000, or online at riverrun.ca/swan-lake-canadas-ballet-jorgen.

Media Contact:

Angela McEwen
Marketing and Development Coordinator
River Run Centre
519-837-5662 extension 2493
[email protected]

Scroll to Top