Local tech to tour with Moscow Ballet

A Russian ballet troupe will have a Southland helping hand on deck as it performs throughout Australia and New Zealand this month.

Civic Theatre technician John Hodges has been selected to tour Australasia with the Moscow Ballet La Classique as it performs The Nutcracker.

Officially, Mr Hodges would be technical adviser for the group, organising lighting and sound, but in practice, it was a role which encompassed a wide range of tasks, he said.

‘‘I asked what I was doing – everything and anything. I could be asked to cook, I could be asked to sew. They said put some tools in your bag in case you have to repair anything.’’

Mr Hodges applied for the role after hearing from a colleague the Moscow Ballet might be looking for a technical adviser, but did not expect to get the job.

Roles like this were usually given to people from bigger, better-known venues, so it was a nice surprise to be said.

Despite working at the Civic Theatre for nine years and doing technician work and DJing for about 40 years, Mr Hodges said he was treating the tour as an opportunity to learn more about the trade.

‘‘It’s going to bring back a lot more knowledge to our venue. Anyone who says they know everything about theatre – they don’t. ‘‘You learn every day.’’ He also hoped to pick up a bit of Russian, , as he did not speak any now.

The ballet will stop in 25 locations in 61⁄ weeks, but Mr Hodges said he was used to living out of a suitcase and was looking forward to comparing theatre practices.

He will arrive in Melbourne on April 18, to ferry the truck carrying the troupe’s equipment to Tasmania for its first performance on April 20.

The Moscow Ballet La Classique will perform in Invercargill at the Civic Theatre on May 6.

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