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Swan Lake
is the second production that I have seen in the Northern Ballet Theatres
current tour, the first being the superb Midsummer Nights Dream.
And while their Tchaikovsky classic is very different from the fun
and exuberant Dream it is no less beautiful or
enjoyable.
Once
again, this company is not all tutus and tights! Swan Lake is probably
the most famous of all ballets but in true NBT style, the story
has been changed somewhat (cue a sharp intake of breath from the
purists!) but nevertheless there are still enough swans to satisfy
the traditionalists!
Impression
Set at the beginning of the 20th century, a young boy Anthony stumbles
upon a dead swan whilst playing by a lake. This experience leaves
a lasting impression on him.
Later
on in life, the older Anthony (Jonathan Ollivier) is attracted to
his friend Simon (Christopher Hinton-Lewis), but worried about what
this means, he marries Odilia (Victoria Lane Green) to please his
mother and evade what he really feels.
But
when he cant fulfil his marital obligations he finds a new
outlet that brings relief. He retreats into the world of the swans
that had made such and impression on him, in particular a curious
yet beautiful woman Odette (Keiko Amemori).
In
his programme notes, Artistic Director David Nixon talks of a production
of Swan Lake that he was in when with the National Ballet of Canada.
It was slated by the critics but he says that their words fell of
deaf ears because the company preferred their production over others
that had appeared soulless showcases for technique rather
than movement and emotion.
Drama
I think that Nixon has obviously brought this premise to his own
version and it is what the NBT do so well. Rather than being just
a lot of pretty steps by men in tights and women in tutus, his Swan
Lake is real drama.
The
superb Jonathan Ollivier makes the anguish and torment that Anthony
suffers palpable and is able to convey the dramatic feelings of
confusion during his sexual awakening and combine them with some
awesome leaps.
Similarly
there was Christopher Hinton-Lewiss almost puppy dog adoration
of Anthony and both his and Victoria Lane Greens feelings
of unrequited love were heartbreaking as they portrayed emotions
that the audience could identify with.
And
this is the key to NBTs success. Whilst the purists might
complain, this company, along with those like Matthew Bournes,
are helping to bring dance and inspiration to new audiences and
that is very important.
Passion
But at the same time, while the love triangle story is one that
a modern audience can relate to and really reflects the passion
inherent in Tchaikovskys music, there are still the traditional
elements and the mythical world of water, where swans can appear
as women, is retained.
The
setting is haunting and mystical, while the ending is sad but beautiful.
The modern twist not only breathes new life into a classic but it
cuts through the fairy tale and brings a relevance to todays
audiences that is sometimes lost when youve got sorcerers
who turn people into swans! It was quite mesmerising.
Not
all tutus and tights!
Read our interview with Jonathan Ollivier
Read
our review of A Midsummer Night's Dream >>
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Listen
to the interview with Jonathan Ollivier before Swan Lake
