'The importance and richness of Sir Robert Helpmann's contribution to the performing arts both in Australia and overseas is unique given the vast range of art forms in which he worked. Helpmann's many roles included those of dancer (ballet and musicals); mime artist; make-up artist; choreographer; actor (stage and screen); director of ballets, plays and operas; co-Artistic Director of the Australian Ballet; and Director of the 1970 Adelaide Festival of Arts.

'Despite the extraordinary breadth of his career and the acclaim his work in Australia received at the time, very little has been written about Helpmann's career in Australia. Only two other biographies of Helpmann have been written: one in 1957 and one in 1978 ... The years that have elapsed since Robert Helpmann's death in 1986 provide a sufficient period of critical distance from which to look back and assess the nature and value of his work.' -- Provided by publisher