’50 shades of Magic’ in motion

 

     I entered a new realm of artistry that I was not ready to accept in the beginning. I witnessed and I was completely enveloped in the Australian Ballet’s of Swan Lake. Australia has a great tradition of classical dance as all the various Ballets Russes performed there.

     They turned ballet on its head recently during the Music Center’s 50^th Anniversary in Los Angeles. This production was created about the same time as Matthew Bourne‘s Swan Lake. However, I feel this version was more true to the original emotional impact of the ballet.

     This ‘Swan’ takes the reality of the nervous bride, laced with insecurity and jealousy beyond an acceptable norm to the point of being driven into a psychic state, being, “Does He Loves Me?” drove her into an insane asylum. So the “swans” are not a disconnection; moreover, a manifestation of her hallucinations.

     Between ice bathes, Odette’s altered state makes her a swan. Living in this realm, the other swans become her protectors as in the original. She pulls her prince into her web of delusion. In this world, she seduces him until her rival from the Royal Family dances a Russian Chardash, on point, to seduce the Prince.

     The complex staging and brilliant alter libretto transforms, “the real world” into Odette’s psychic state that becomes a reality for the ill fated lovers. 

    Yes, it all a bit much to take if you are more of purest like myself, but I have seen Contemporary Shakespeare and the Sacre du Printemps transformed by Maurice Bejart. So as a dancer/choreographer, I opened this portion of my mind. However, no excuses needed for the choreography used by Graeme Murphy which I found to be a classical vocabulary which was innovative beyond reproach.

     From the counter-balance of a same sex couple to the ménage a trios aka threesome of the protagonists set; thusly I found it to be a provocative and emotionally rich performance.

     Amber Scott as Odette was truly one of the greatest actresses I have seen on a stage. Adam Bull as Prince Siegfried was a sympathetic tortured soul. The role of Baroness von Rothbart was really the “Odile” of this performance. The entire company was complete perfect from move and coordination of every step and nuance – truly the best corps de ballet that I have ever seen.

     The sets, costumes and lighting were half the production. I believe anyone in attendance could feel the magic in the air by Artistic Director David McAllister. I urge you to make this a must see in your lifetime and hopefully the Australian Ballet will be performing near you.

 

     For more information, including AB’s 2015 schedule, see: www.australianballet.com.au.

Review by Tony Clark, Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, clarkarts@aol.com

Adam BullAmber ScottAustralian Ballet's of Swan LakeDavid McAllisterGraeme MurphyLos AngelesMusic Center