Review: Scottish Ballet - Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky's classic ballet Swan Lake returned to the Liverpool Empire Theatre on Wednesday 1st June for press night. However it was The Scottish Ballet company's first visit to the city with their contemporary adaptation. Having watched multiple versions of the ballet, I was interested to see how this offering compared.
The creation of Artistic director Christopher Hampson and Award winning international choreographer David Dawson, the performance is a contemporary take on the classic and indeed a Swan lake for a new generation. There is not a tutu in sight and the performance two and a quarter hours in duration is an exquisite juxtaposition of power, dynamic movement, graceful elegance, energy and an impressive range of complex balletic forms.
True to the classic tale, the performance tells the tale of Siegfried who is alone and pensive, looking to find his place in the world. Under the cover of darkness, he encounters a Goddess-like form; the swan queen Odette who morphs between human and swan form. Captivated by her elegance and grace, he falls in love and she reciprocates. To ensure that they meet again, she entrusts him with a precious stone. In Act two, we learn that Siegfried meets a beautiful woman Odile who he mistakes for Odette. He dancers with her and offers the precious stone to her. Odile leaves Siegfried who upon realisation of his mistake feels humiliated by his betrayal of Odette. He is eventually reunited with Odette and he pleads for her forgiveness. To his dismay, Odette explains that she can no longer be a part of his life and disappears into the darkness forever.
The contemporary set courtesy of John Otto was stunning in it's simplicity. Predominantly grey in colour with clean lines and beautifully lit, it provided the perfect backdrop for the dancers and as they performed, their shadows were projected beautifully against it.
The opening scene in Act one was vivid in it's colours and the choreography was dynamic, there was a lot going on but I liked the speed and pace of it all. The whole performance was truly breath- taking, sultry and passionate. Each scene was captivating and you will not want to take your eyes off the dancers as you are mesmerised by the fluidity of their movement, perfect mirroring of each other as they dance together and the strength and passion of their delivery. It was a spectacle of grace and power. The sheer elegance of the swans as they performed as an ensemble was stunning. The ethereal costumes were a sight to behold. The score was magnificent, the harp solo sounded delightful. I held my breath on so many occasions. The dance sequences were uplifting and moving in equal measure - executed with perfection.
It was so refreshing to see a mix of physical build of the dancers, they were tall, imposing, athletic as well as petite and dainty. The cast were magnificent and worthy of the highest commendation. Sophie Martin who played Odette and Odile was incredible. Christopher Harrison (Siegfried) was outstanding and Andrew Peasgood (Benno) mesmerising to watch. This is a performance of substance. It is captivating, evocative and thoroughly entertaining. By far, one of my favourite interpretations of Swan Lake.
The Liverpool performances run until Saturday 4th June and marks the conclusion of the tour which has visited Scotland and the North East.
Sheer brilliance, the epitome of elegance, grace and poise. Bravo Scottish Ballet - a fantastic five stars rating from me.
The creation of Artistic director Christopher Hampson and Award winning international choreographer David Dawson, the performance is a contemporary take on the classic and indeed a Swan lake for a new generation. There is not a tutu in sight and the performance two and a quarter hours in duration is an exquisite juxtaposition of power, dynamic movement, graceful elegance, energy and an impressive range of complex balletic forms.
The opening scene in Act one was vivid in it's colours and the choreography was dynamic, there was a lot going on but I liked the speed and pace of it all. The whole performance was truly breath- taking, sultry and passionate. Each scene was captivating and you will not want to take your eyes off the dancers as you are mesmerised by the fluidity of their movement, perfect mirroring of each other as they dance together and the strength and passion of their delivery. It was a spectacle of grace and power. The sheer elegance of the swans as they performed as an ensemble was stunning. The ethereal costumes were a sight to behold. The score was magnificent, the harp solo sounded delightful. I held my breath on so many occasions. The dance sequences were uplifting and moving in equal measure - executed with perfection.
It was so refreshing to see a mix of physical build of the dancers, they were tall, imposing, athletic as well as petite and dainty. The cast were magnificent and worthy of the highest commendation. Sophie Martin who played Odette and Odile was incredible. Christopher Harrison (Siegfried) was outstanding and Andrew Peasgood (Benno) mesmerising to watch. This is a performance of substance. It is captivating, evocative and thoroughly entertaining. By far, one of my favourite interpretations of Swan Lake.
The Liverpool performances run until Saturday 4th June and marks the conclusion of the tour which has visited Scotland and the North East.
Sheer brilliance, the epitome of elegance, grace and poise. Bravo Scottish Ballet - a fantastic five stars rating from me.
Tickets from £12 (£13 online/phone)
Box Office ¦ 0844 871 3017 ¦ http://www.atgtickets.com/liverpool
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