Queensland Ballet’s risky Manon venture

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Li Cunxin AO of Mao’s Last Dancer Fame is returning to the stage for Queensland Ballet’s new blockbuster Manon. Not only is he returning to the stage, but Mr Li has taken this 1.5-million-dollar venture during tough economic times for the country. 

If his track record is anything to go by, then the company is in safe hands. In the ten years since taking over the reins as Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, Mr Li’s bold ambition has been integral in delivering a $17 million training facility for the Queensland Ballet Academy and a $100 million dollar refurbishment for the company’s home, The Thomas Dixon Centre.  

With 12 performances across two weeks, and over 16,000 tickets to sell, there is no doubt Manon is a massive endeavour for the company. Queensland Ballet pulled off a similar feat with Romeo and Juliet in 2019 – a production by the same choreographer, and it paid off.  

“Without a doubt, this a massive season, but we sold over 18,500 tickets to Romeo and Juliet, so I’m hopeful we can do the same for Manon,” Mr Li said.  

“However, we are in a very different economic climate. I am acutely aware of the effect rising inflation is having on the entertainment budget for households. We have tried to keep ticket prices as affordable as possible and are offering a free ticket in our group packages,” he said. 

“The arts sector was hit hard during the pandemic, and just as the economy starts to recover, we face yet another threat – the rising cost of living. Anecdotally the arts industry is reporting a shift in consumer behaviour. Customers are holding out until the last minute before purchasing tickets and that is unsettling, but we are tracking an upward trajectory in ticket sales, and hope this continues the closer we get to opening night,” Mr Li stated.  

With three weeks until opening night, the company is focusing on what it does best. 

“Everyone is working hard to ensure every detail of this show is a success, from the dancers in the studio, to our costume and production department, through to our business staff. 

“Manon is a large ballet with decadent sets, 1,600 costume pieces and wigs, and a cast of 80 dancers. Plus, we have flown out two stagers from the UK and an internationally renowned lighting producer to ensure Manon meets the MacMillan Estate’s standards. 

All up, the production costs are estimated at 1.5-million-dollars. So why take the gamble on such an expensive production?  

“I want to give the community something special during this tough economic time, to offer them a window of escape with this beautiful production,”  

“Manon will solidify Queensland Ballet’s position as a world class ballet company. It is a prestigious honour to be given these rights by Lady Deborah MacMillan, a work performed by companies such as Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and other internationally renowned companies. 

“It’s a stunning production to watch, moving, heartbreaking and beautiful all in one. It’s a ballet every dancer, in every company wishes to perform and it offers our dancers the opportunity to demonstrate their musicality, stamina and technical prowess to the nation.  

To celebrate his decade of Artistic Directorship, Li Cunxin AO returns to the stage alongside his wife, former dancer and celebrated author, Mary Li, on the following dates:  

• Thursday 29th September - 7.30pm  

• Tuesday 4th October - 6.30pm  

• Thursday 6th October - 1.30pm  

The company has also secured world renowned ballerina, Alina Cojocaru to perform the role of Manon with Queensland Ballet on the following dates: 

• Wednesday 5 October  

• Friday 7 October  

“If you only see one ballet this year, then this is definitely the one to see, it’s our blockbuster, not-to-be-missed ballet event of the year,” concluded Mr Li.  

Queensland Ballet’s Manon runs from 28 September – 8 October 2022. For more information, click here.