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The inspiration of artist Esther Paterson, Euroka was an original ballet, written by Hermon Gill and composed by James Penberthy, who at the time was a former lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve and a 'rehabilitation student at the University Conservatorium, doing piano and composition' ('Euroka', The Argus, 17 September 1947, p.3).
The ballet was based on Indigenous mythology, although the specific source is obscure: the story 'tells how the Sun Spirit is enticed back to earth after departing in anger by a boomerang thrown round the world' ('Impressive Music in Australian Ballet', Argus, 18 September 1947, p.7).
Notes
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Ballet.
Production Details
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First produced from Wednesday 17 September 1947, as part of the National Theatre Movement's season of ballet.
Writer: George Hermon Gill.
Composer: James Penberthy.
Choreographer: Jean Alexander.
Orchestra: from the University Conservatorium.
Conductor: James Penberthy.
Costume Designer: Barbara Newman.
Cast members included: Pat Martin (Euroka) and Jill Gregory (Owl).
