The silent film era is one of the big inspirations for Royal New Zealand Ballet Choreographer in Residence Loughlan Prior who's putting his own spin on the Hansel and Gretel fable for the company. It's Loughlan's first choreography for a full length ballet and he's going for it. He believes the early 19th century Brothers Grimm's story of Hansel and Gretel is just as relevant for 21st century audiences, with it's exploration of poverty and child neglect. Hansel and Gretel premieres in Wellington on November 6 and tours New Zealand until Christmas visiting Palmerston North, Napier, Christchurch, Invercargill, Dunedin, Auckland and Takapuna. Loughlan has another ballet premiering in November, in Australia.