Christopher Wheeldon, choreography
Berkeley Symphony
Joby Talbot, composer
Jean-Marc Puissant, stage and costume design
Jon Goldman, lighting design
David Bergman, video design
Inspired by the legacy and lore of one of literature’s most extraordinary minds, Christopher Wheeldon’s visionary ballet blends awe-inspiring choreography with the story of Oscar Wilde. Oscar explores themes of romance, sacrifice, and forbidden love, weaving elements of Wilde’s biography together with references to his timeless stories and characters. Admired for both its artistic vigor and the emotional nuance of its programs, The Australian Ballet returns to Berkeley for the first time since the company’s memorable performances of Swan Lake more than a decade ago. Joby Talbot’s lush orchestral score is performed live by the Berkeley Symphony, and designer Jean-Marc Puissant’s intricate set and costume designs complete this thrilling production.
“A trailblazing masterpiece, rich with thought-provoking meaning, stirring emotion, unashamed hedonism, and breathtaking wonderment.”—Australian Arts Review
This event is part of Cal Performances’ Illuminations: “Innocence & Experience” programming for the 2026–27 season.
Please note: This performance includes theatrical haze and moments of high-pitched, prolonged noise. This performance features mature content, including sexual themes.
Run time for this performance is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including intermission.
Leadership support for this performance is provided by an anonymous donor. Major support for this performance is provided by Beth DeAtley and by Rockridge Market Hall.
Tour Partners of The Australian Ballet: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Macquarie Group. Oscar has been generously funded by Lady Potter AC CMRI and The David Hallberg Fund for Artistic Aspiration, and The Robert and Elizabeth Albert Music Fund. We also extend our sincere thanks to the contributors of the International Touring Fund and our US Tour supporters, whose generosity has made this landmark tour possible.
This tour has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Joby Talbot, composer; published by Chester Music Ltd.
Christopher Wheeldon’s Oscar includes extracts from Neil McKenna’s book, The Secret Life of Oscar Wilde, copyright Neil McKenna, with kind permission from the author.
World premiere September 13, 2024, Regent Theatre, Melbourne, The Australian Ballet.
Full Casting (PDF)
Fri, Sep 25, 7:30pm
Sat, Sep 26, 1pm & 7:30pm
Sun, Sep 27, 3pm
There is a $20 service charge on all subscription orders, and a $15 per order service charge on ticket purchases made by phone or online that are not part of a subscription package. There is no fee for tickets purchased in person at the Zellerbach Hall Ticket Office unless they are part of a subscription.
About the Artists
Illuminations Related Event
Illuminations Pre-performance Conversation
Sat, Sep 26 at 6pm
Zellerbach Playhouse
Free and open to ticket holders of the Sep 26, 7:30pm performance
Prior to the Saturday, September 26 performance of Oscar, members of the cast as well as The Australian Ballet’s artistic leadership will join Grace Lavery, UC Berkeley professor of English, critical theory, and gender & women’s studies, for a conversation about the creative and historical context of the work, as well as its relationship to Cal Performances’ 2026–27 Illuminations theme, “Innocence & Experience.”
Parking Alert
Parking will be a problem on campus for Sep 25 performance due to a Cal Football game.
Most University parking lots will be reserved for patrons and city-owned lots may have a limited number of spots available. We advise you to arrive early and to consider alternative transportation.
Please see our Parking Alert section for more information.
Watch
2026–27 Season Guides
Some of you want your mind blown. Some want your heart broken. Some want to see a legend before they stop touring. Whatever brings you through those doors, we’ve built a guide for it. Explore the six patron guides below to find the performances that were made for you!
Fri, Sep 25, 7:30pm
Sat, Sep 26, 1pm & 7:30pm
Sun, Sep 27, 3pm
There is a $20 service charge on all subscription orders, and a $15 per order service charge on ticket purchases made by phone or online that are not part of a subscription package. There is no fee for tickets purchased in person at the Zellerbach Hall Ticket Office unless they are part of a subscription.