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Although Sir Robert Helpmann was one of Australia's most famous international performing arts stars, his work and life in Australia have received little academic attention.
That has changed thanks to Dr Anna Bemrose from the UQ Faculty of Arts whose PhD thesis was entitled A Servant of Art: Robert Helpmann in Australia.
As well as researching private and public collections, Dr Bemrose interviewed many of Helpmann's professional collaborators in Australia and overseas.
These included Garth Welch, Richard Bonynge, Peter Sculthorpe, Dame Alicia Markova and the late Dame Ninette de Valois.
Dr Bemrose said while there was information on Sir Robert's work during his time overseas, little work had been done on the period before he left Australia or after his triumphant return.
"Most people seem to think he went to England and that was where he learned his craft, but even before he left Australia he had explored most aspects of the arts," Dr Bemrose said.
"He had been involved in experimental theatre in Adelaide and had already choreographed his first ballet.
"While Helpmann's artistic versatility led him to explore many areas of the arts, it was initially ballet that drew him back to Australia to work with the Australian Ballet, which he showcased to the world."
