The de Basil Ballets Russes history regarding the sets and costumes for “Firebird” in Australia is very interesting. The first tour in 36/37 brought the original Golovin setting which can clearly be seen in the Hugh Hall photographs. The 1940 tour brought the Gontcharova setting. I presume that as de Basil was fielding 2 companys during 36/37, he needed the Golovin here as the Gontcharova was being used elsewhere. Photos show the Golovin costumes being used as well. The Maryinsky Chatelet dvd of “Firebird” shows the Golovin, whereas the Royal Ballet [Leanne Benjamin - quite wonderful] uses the Gontcharova. The Cossington-Smith painting currently on show at the Arts Centre Gallery clearly shows the bright green tree centre stage which is a feature of the Golovin Maryinsky setting.
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The de Basil Ballets Russes history regarding the sets and costumes for “Firebird” in Australia is very interesting. The first tour in 36/37 brought the original Golovin setting which can clearly be seen in the Hugh Hall photographs. The 1940 tour brought the Gontcharova setting. I presume that as de Basil was fielding 2 companys during 36/37, he needed the Golovin here as the Gontcharova was being used elsewhere. Photos show the Golovin costumes being used as well. The Maryinsky Chatelet dvd of “Firebird” shows the Golovin, whereas the Royal Ballet [Leanne Benjamin - quite wonderful] uses the Gontcharova. The Cossington-Smith painting currently on show at the Arts Centre Gallery clearly shows the bright green tree centre stage which is a feature of the Golovin Maryinsky setting.