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Many people think Swan Lake is a lot of young women
in white tutus prancing about on points, to some of our loveliest
music.
Ballet purists would have that blueprint set in
aspic for all time, but all these historic ballets have to move
on, and that's where Northern Ballet Theatre comes in.
Director David Nixon and his team have worked in
re-thinking the storyline, developing the characters, creating some
dynamic choreography, whilst retaining that sense of trueness to
the original.
A swan in female form represents the object of
young Anthony's deep desire, and he is totally obsessed.
But before the romantic awakening, we are treated
to some extremely funny antics by the side of the lake, as Anthony,
his best friend Simon and family and friends arrive on bicycles
for a picnic al fresco.
Keiko Amemori as Odette |
These are the last halcyon days of summer before
the chill of war sets in and these boys are as full of energy as
young puppies.
Too bad they weren't able to be there for the final
curtain, they certainly deserve some applause.
Jonathan Ollivier is the deep and darkly romantic
Anthony, playing the tortured soul to the point where fact and fantasy
merge... his leaps across the stage are awe-inspiring.
Also a mention for Odilia, played by Victoria Lane-Green,
whom Anthony marries, to his friend Simon's dismay, and then rejects,
in favour of the mystical swan woman.
She shows such devotion and is thrown off so harshly,
the choreography is superb.
This is a visual feast, with water never far away...
the swans in the moonlight bend and sway their arms like long, long
necks - yes even the delicious cygnet quartet remains in this version.
But the production brings with it new passion.
A sexual awakening between Anthony, Simon and Odilia, that must
be settled, before Anthony can commit himself body and soul to his
swan lover.
The ending is to be savoured.
Swan Lake can be seen at the Norwich Theatre
Royal until Saturday 10 May, 2004.
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