observations 2/16

Well let's give this a try. Maybe it won't be geo-blocked.

The Australian Ballet has launched a new live-streaming program called Live on Ballet TV which will allow viewers "across the world" to access real time in-theatre ballet performances from home plus 48 hours thereafter--but you can watch each performance only once. The first performance will be Summertime at the Ballet at Melbourne & Olympic Parks MCA on Sunday 28th February at 11.45am AEDT, and will be available for 48 hours to accommodate time zones worldwide. According to Google, 11:45am AEDT equals 7:45pm the previous day in NYC. So, that would be Saturday night February 27 at 7:45pm. Someone should check that for us, please.

Here's the best news. The program will include Balanchine's Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux along with the finale from Theme and Variations. The Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadere is on the bill. Unidentified modern works will be shown, too. Is that a good sign when no one wants to identify the modern works on the bill?

A special introductory price of $25 will apply to the first performance. According to Google, that's $19.38 in USD. The bargain is looking good, isn't it? That is, if it's not geo-blocked. Tickets will be available on the company's website. (Edited to add: Tickets here.)

Here's the press release:

Download TAB 21_Media Release_Live on Ballet TV_Summertime at the Ballet

 

Comments

[Christina Skoski]

Yes, you're correct about the timing. I've gotten my ticket and it's at 4:45PM 2/27 PST.I did get charged a small International transaction fee on my card. Program looks interesting except for the Harlquinade which I saw in Orange County last year. More was written about the costumes and hats than the choreography, of which there was very little to recommend. There's a good reason it wasn't performed for over 100 years.

[Haglund]

Christina,

I'm so glad to see your comment. I'm having a terrible time locating the actual link in order to purchase the Ballet TV ticket. All links that I click on point to in-person theater seating. Could I ask you to provide the actual link for us?

Thanks much!

[Christina Skoski]

https://australianballet.com.au/the-ballets/LIVE-summertime-at-the-ballet
You have to create an account and you'll get an e-ticket via your email address. I agree it's a bit confusing.

[Christina Skoski]

https://australianballet.com.au/the-ballets/LIVE-summertime-at-the-ballet

[Haglund]

Thanks much for all the info, Christina!

[Haglund]

I just ordered my "ticket". The total charge in USD was $19.52 -- not bad at all.

We all should remember that according to the FAQs on the website, each ticket is for one viewing only during a single session.

Still, it will be exciting to watch some live classical ballet!

[Jeannette]

Thanks, Haglund. I’ll have to remember to not press the “Start” button until I’m ready to stay the full 120 minutes! Silence the cellphone, too. (Just like the old days in theatres...)

[Haglund]

Lol, Jeannette. Don't be opening the noisy plastic wrapper on that sandwich during the performance.