The expectation surrounding this performance of perennial classic Swan Lake was immense. Brisbane was the first – only – Australian city to host The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in the company’s history.
However, the hype was justified and even surpassed, as the ABT the put on an excellent performance of what many consider to be the quintessential ballet – earning a standing ovation after a whirlwind journey of love, betrayal and enchantment.
While the audience were expecting to see a quality performance, the thought might have been that such a well-loved and revered work could be weighed down by a seriousness in an effort to maintain a certain gravitas.
But watching this interpretation of the story unfold on the stage, it was far from the case, with the subtle, unanticipated infusions of humour in the choreography lifting the mood of the piece, despite all the audience being well aware of the lovers’ impending doom.
While there were other departures from previous more ‘traditional’ versions of the well-known tale – including the prologue showing how Odette came to be betrayed by the sorcerer Von Rothbart and transformed into a swan; they also knew when to leave well enough alone.
The famous Dance of the Cygnets – although familiar almost to the point of cliché with the movements of the baby swans parodied in other dance, films and television – was still an audience highlight.
The lead roles of the Swan Princess Odette (and Black Swan Odile) and Prince Siegfried were danced on this night by Hee Seo and Corey Stearns – and both were remarkable. Although at first she looked fragile, Seo soon transformed into her role and looked the full embodiment of a swan, furtive like a bird and yet, still graceful.
It is obvious no expense was spared with the clever stagecraft and scenography only outdone by the costumes; which were at once ornate and intricate. There was no fabric or prop out of place in the two major scenes in the royal court – while the splitting of the role of Von Rothbart into his ‘true’ evil form and as a handsome stranger decked out in plush purple velvet (Roman Zhurbin and Alexandre Hammoudi) made for some interesting staging.
In speaking about the triumphs of the visuals – the music must not be forgotten. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra did well with Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score, effectively highlighting the darkness and the light of the movements.
In all, this was a night at the ballet as you imagined and hoped it would be.
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 stars
Swan Lake
The American Ballet Theatre
Choreography by Kevin McKenzie (after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov)
Sets and costumes: Zack Brown
Lighting: Duane Schuler
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Brisbane Festival
www.qpac.com.au
Until September 4
Followed by ABT’s Three Masterpieces from 5 -7 September.
