Robert Helpmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Helpmann
CBE |
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Portrait of Robert Helpmann in London circa 1945
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| Born | 9 April 1909 |
| Died | 28 September 1986 (aged 77) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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| Occupation | Ballet dancer, actor, theatre director, choreographer |
| Years active | 1936–1986 |
| Partner(s) | Michael Benthall (1938–1974, his death) |
Sir Robert Helpmann CBE (1909–1986) was a famous Australian artist. He was a talented ballet dancer, actor, theatre director, and choreographer. He became well-known around the world for his many skills.
Contents
Early Life and Dance Dreams
Robert Murray Helpman was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia. His friends and family called him "Bobby." He went to Prince Alfred College in Adelaide. But he left school at age 14. He wanted to focus completely on ballet.
Being a male dancer was unusual in Australia in the 1920s. Robert always dreamed of dancing. He even recalled being taught girl's dance moves. This was because his teacher had never taught boys before. Robert had dark hair, pale skin, and big dark eyes. He had a younger sister, Sheila, and a younger brother, Max. Both of them also became involved in the world of theatre.
A Career on Stage and Screen
Starting His Dance Career
In 1926, Robert joined a dance company. It was led by the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. His father helped him get this opportunity. He met Pavlova during a business trip. Robert later changed his last name from "Helpman" to "Helpmann." One story says Pavlova suggested it. She believed in numerology, and his old name had 13 letters.
During World War II, the Sadler's Wells Ballet returned to England. Robert Helpmann became a key dancer. He starred in a new ballet called The Prospect Before Us in 1940.
Becoming a Star Dancer
A major moment for Helpmann was in 1949. He toured the United States with the Sadler's Wells Ballet. He and Margot Fonteyn danced the main roles in The Sleeping Beauty. This show was a huge success. It made both the Royal Ballet and its two main dancers famous. People lovingly called them "Bobby and Margot." Even though Helpmann was getting older as a dancer, this tour opened doors for him. He started getting acting and directing jobs in the U.S.
Moving into Directing and Acting
In the 1940s, Helpmann began directing ballets. He created his own ballets like Comus (1942) and Hamlet (1942). He also directed Miracle in the Gorbals (1944) and Adam Zero (1946). Later, he directed Elektra in 1963.
He also acted in plays by William Shakespeare. He performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada. He also acted at the Old Vic theatre in London. He even played the main role in Hamlet as an actor. This was two years after he danced the same part in a ballet.
Film Roles and Choreography
Helpmann appeared in many movies. He worked on two ballet films by Powell and Pressburger. These were The Red Shoes (1948) and The Tales of Hoffmann (1951). He was the choreographer for The Red Shoes. A choreographer creates the dance moves.
He also played other characters in films. He was the Dutch Quisling in One of Our Aircraft Is Missing (1942). Later, he played Prince Tuan in 55 Days at Peking (1963).
After returning to Australia, he continued acting in movies. One of his most famous roles was the Child Catcher. This was in the family movie Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). His performance was so good that Empire magazine called it one of the most frightening ever. He also played the Mad Hatter in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1972). In 1973, he co-directed the ballet film Don Quixote with Rudolf Nureyev. He also played the main role in that film.
Leading the Australian Ballet
In 1965, Helpmann came back to Australia. He became a co-director of the Australian Ballet. He brought his international fame and connections with him. He worked with dancers and choreographers from all over the world.
His time with the Australian Ballet was very important. He created many new ballets. He also led the company on several international tours. Helpmann worked with Dame Peggy van Praagh. He was her co-director until 1974. Then he was the sole director until 1976. He choreographed ballets like Yugen (1965) and Sun Music (1968). He also directed The Merry Widow (1975).
His most talked-about work was The Display (1964). It had music by Malcolm Williamson. Helpmann said it was the "first one hundred per cent Australian ballet." This ballet used the courtship dance of the lyrebird as a symbol. It showed how Australian men behaved. Helpmann dedicated the ballet to his friend, actress Katharine Hepburn. She wanted to see a male lyrebird dancing when she visited Australia.
Later Work in Theatre
In 1981, Helpmann worked with the Australian Opera. He directed Alcina by Handel. This show was later performed again with Joan Sutherland as the star. In 1983, he celebrated 60 years in theatre. He was involved in productions at the Sydney Opera House. He directed an opera and re-choreographed The Display.
He also acted in a play called The Cobra. He played an elderly character named Lord Alfred Douglas. He also played a manservant in the play Stardust. Helpmann directed the London musical Camelot. He also voiced the main character in a cartoon film, Don Quixote of La Mancha.
His Personality
People described Helpmann as a strong but kind person. Margot Fonteyn said he was her favorite dance partner. She even preferred him over Rudolf Nureyev. She said Helpmann was very confident. He always pushed her to do her best.
He kept his dancer's agility for many years. Dick Van Dyke shared a story from filming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Child Catcher's carriage tipped over with Helpmann inside. Van Dyke said Helpmann swung out of the carriage. He then skipped across the crashing vehicle with amazing grace. Adrian Hall and Heather Ripley, who played Jeremy and Jemimah, said Helpmann was very kind. They both attended his funeral later.
Personal Life
Helpmann was openly gay. In 1938, he met Michael Benthall. They had a relationship that lasted 36 years. It ended when Benthall died in 1974.
Death
Sir Robert Helpmann died in Sydney in 1986.
Images for kids
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Helpmann and Margot Fonteyn in Frederick Ashton's Façade
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Helpmann and Fonteyn in The Sleeping Beauty, 1953
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See also
In Spanish: Robert Helpmann para niños
