'Whale Rider' author pens first ballet

Ihimaera said he wanted to write a ballet driven by a story that, like Whale Rider, would appeal to a broad audience. Picture / Herald file

New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera - best known for his novel Whale Rider, which was turned into a hit film and then a musical - has penned his first ballet.

The Wedding, which features scenes in a rugby club, a nightclub, a church and hotel reception, will be staged by the Royal New Zealand Ballet next year.

Ihimaera said he wanted to write a ballet driven by a story that, like Whale Rider, would appeal to a broad audience, especially young people. "Ballet is so relevant and so contemporary. It can be done to a story and done for a young audience," he said.

"I'm hoping we'll crack a young age group that will come along, have fun, roar with laughter, throw streamers and make it into a Rocky Horror Show-kind of thing."

As well as novels, Ihimaera has written for the stage, including his 2000 play Woman Far Walking. He had toyed with writing an opera set in a ballet company before hitting on the idea for The Wedding. The ballet company commissioned the work.

The Wedding will be choreographed by Mark Baldwin, with music by Wellington composer Gareth Farr. It will open in Auckland during March, then tour the country, including Wellington, from March 22 to March 26.

Ihimaera's ballet will be one of three national tours by the Wellington-based ballet company next year.

- NZPA