Hansel and Gretel - Behind the Curtain

As the RNZB season of Hansel and Gretel tours around the country, it’s been lovely to read the glowing reviews written in the production’s wake.

The POW team were in attendance on opening night in Wellington and were stunned by the harmonious energy of the many elements at play. On a project with so many moving parts, it’s easy to remain focused on '‘your piece of the puzzle” without stepping back to look at the full picture. Well, we left the Opera House gobsmacked!

Taken from Bridgette Knight’s review of the show for Theatrescenes:

“One of the real strengths of Hansel & Gretel is its use of layering and stylisation. Black-and-white-movie style opening titles, complete with flickering projection and scratches on the film, create a thoroughly cinematic transition from real life into the world of the ballet. Interplay between layered gauzes, animation and shadow provide an innovative approach to set-building, and create the illusion of extra space on the restrictive Opera House stage.”

Hansel and Gretel moves into the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau today. Tickets start at $40, seriously, treat yourself.

If you’re a details person, here’s a peek behind the curtain of the visual effects used in the show…