Queensland Ballet begins 2019 with a bang with the world premiere of a seductive work by in-demand British choreographer Liam Scarlett, who is QB’s Artistic Associate.

Dangerous Liaisons. All photographs supplied

Scarlett will choreograph Dangerous Liaisons, a new full-length ballet based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ classic novel. The dark story about love, sexuality, innocence and betrayal, set among the aristocracy in 18th-century France, has captured the public imagination for over 200 years, and has previously been adapted for theatre and film. Co-produced with Texas Ballet Theater, the ballet “for mature audiences” will be performed to music by Camille Saint-Saëns, arranged by Martin Yates, and feature sumptuous sets and costumes by Tracy Grant Lord.

“I’m sure the whole ballet world will be watching as they always do with a new Scarlett work,” said QB Artistic Director Li Cunxin. Opening in Brisbane in March, the production will tour regional Queensland in June and July.

The Master Series in May is a triple bill featuring George Balanchine’s iconic Serenade, Jiří Kylián’s Soldier’s Mass, which explores the horrors of war through the eyes of young soldiers, and a new work...