The Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) ends 2012 with a major new production - Giselle -one of the most dramatic and beautiful of ballets.
The great romantic ballet will feature RNZB Principal Guest Artist and star of American Ballet Theatre Gillian Murphy, dancing the role of Giselle - one of the most demanding and dramatic roles in the classical ballet repertoire.
The story unfolds against the ghostly backdrop of a forest haunted by Wilis - vengeful spirits of abandoned brides. Albrecht betrays the innocent village girl Giselle and causes her death, only to be protected by her spirit beyond the grave.
Wonderfully passionate, Giselle is a story of how the power of forgiveness and redemption can overcome the anguish of love and betrayal. This is as instantly appealing for newcomers to ballet as it is to those already under its spell.
When: Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November, 7.30pm. Saturday 1 December, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Sunday 2 December, 2.30pm
Where: ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, central Auckland
Tickets: Adults from $37, children from $25 (booking fees apply). Tickets available from The Edge. Book online or call 09 357 3355
Website: www.nzballet.org.nz
The taste of Auckland
Celebrate the start of summer at New Zealand’s greatest culinary festival. Try a selection of signature dishes from Auckland’s finest restaurants. Learn from culinary superstars in a series of master classes and demonstrations.
Soak up the festival atmosphere with a drink in hand while sampling delicious treats from New Zealand’s top producers.
When: Till November 18. Friday, noon-4pm and 5.30pm-9.30pm. Saturday, noon-4pm and 5.30pm-9.30pm. Sunday, 11am-4pm.
Where: Victoria Park, Central Auckland
Tickets: General admission $25. For info on Premium and VIP tickets, call 09 361 1000.
Website: www.tasteofauckland.co.nz
Devonport Arts Festival
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a huge host of local art, literature and music-related events for the entire family at the Devonport Arts Festival.
Devonport is Auckland’s own urban arts village. Over nine days, the village will be dressed in its finest with art installations down its streets and on Mount Vic itself.
There will be special exhibitions, talks with artists, theatre performances, craft markets, the first ever North Shore-based Pecha Kucha, free workshops and demonstrations, as well as a range of activities for the little ones.
Come and support the community and enjoy the creative drum beat that pounds through the streets of this unique Auckland peninsula.
Visit the website below for the full list of events.
When: 17-25 November
Where: Various locations in Devonport
Tickets: Most events free, others vary. Contact Toni van Tonder on devonportartsfestival@gmail.com.
Website: www.devonportartsfestival.co.nz
Christmas goes wild
Bring the family along to Auckland Zoo and join Mrs Claus, Rudolph, Christmas Fairy, angels, elves and guests for a very special Christmas at the Zoo celebration. Along with the Christmas concert, there will be free face painting and bouncy castles for the kids. Plus, because Auckland Zoo is about to celebrate its 90th year, Christmas at the Zoo will be inviting everyone to share in the 90th birthday cake.
When: Sunday, 2 December
Where: Auckland Zoo
Tickets: Adults $20, Children (4 to 14 years) $10, Family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $50.
Tickets are available on Eventfinda, by phone on 3603805 or in person at the Zoo’s Information Centre.