The Royal New Zealand Ballet has cancelled its national tour of Swan Lake because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Principal Dancer Mayu Tanigaito Photo: Supplied / RNZB / Ross Brown
The ballet was taking the performance to five New Zealand cities in May and June.
The production was guided by New Zealand ballet legend Russell Kerr's 1996 version and he had been working on this new production before he died last month.
The company said the tour would not be viable under the ongoing red traffic light settings, even with indoor gathering limits increased to 200.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this afternoon all of New Zealand would remain in red, with the next review of settings next Thursday 14 April.
Entertainment company TEG Dainty's president and chief executive Paul Dainty said the uncertainty around the traffic light system was causing major problems for the entertainment sector.
"We got good news recently when we were able to get confirmation we could stage shows like Guns 'n Roses which are in large stadiums in Auckland and Wellington," he said.
"But these restrictions that are still in place for shows at all the arenas in New Zealand, we're having to reschedule and keep rescheduling."
Dainty said managers in the US and UK were now reluctant to book gigs in New Zealand because of the uncertainty.
Swan Lake ticket holders will be contacted directly to arrange a refund, credit or donation.
