Melbourne’s cultural scene welcomes a dazzling new arrival, as The Great Gatsby: A Jazz Ballet Odyssey takes centre stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre. This reimagined production of a story we all know, and love is brought to life through the power of dance, under the direction and choreography of Joel Burke.
From the moment the curtain rises, the stage design transports the audience straight into Gatsby’s world—lavish, cinematic, and dripping in 1920s glamour. It feels almost as though Leonardo DiCaprio is somehow present, his iconic portrayal in the Great Gatsby lingering in the atmosphere.
The story of Jay Gatsby played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie, is that of a mysterious and wealthy man driven by his obsession with rekindling a lost love. Beneath the glamour lies a deeper narrative of longing, illusion, and the fragility of the American Dream.
In A Jazz Ballet Odyssey, this story is beautifully translated through movement, with sweeping choreography capturing Gatsby’s desire, Daisy’s conflict, and the emotional tension that unfolds, proving that even without words, the heart of the story resonates just as powerfully.
Watching the performance last night, I couldn’t help but be drawn into that familiar vision; the emotion, intensity, and opulence mirrored so beautifully that, even without a single word spoken, his Gatsby felt ever-present, and this make I say is coming from a huge Gatsby fan!
The production is elevated by a striking cast of principal dancers from Big Live, including Russian-born Ervin Zagifullin, alongside Joel Burke himself—co-founder and artistic director—and Abbey Hansen, who trained at the prestigious Australian School of Ballet. Their performances are both technically exquisite and emotionally captivating, breathing new life into this timeless narrative.
For those who adore Gatsby but have yet to explore ballet, this production offers the perfect introduction—an experience that feels fresh, accessible, and truly magical. And for lovers of dance, theatre, and spectacle, it is nothing short of a must-see.
Review by Melinda Sullivan
PR & Photography supplied by Sharonne Lipman with Images taken by S Tabone
For tickets please visit https://hmt.com.au/the-great-gatsby/
