Ballet in HD: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Ballet in HD: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Tchaikovsky’s celebrated music combined with the reimagined dark fairy-tale in the powerful performance by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company; stream from anywhere 

Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake, Act II by Bourne New Adventures company
SWAN LAKE by Bourne, 2018, Plymouth, Royal Theatre Plymouth/ Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Director Matthew Bourne’s reimagined centuries-old fairy-tale set to the timeless music by Tchaikovsky dazzles, entertains, and shocks with the audience eagerly responding to each cue extended by the dancers. Created for the New Adventure company in 1995, Bourne’s libretto combines recognizable classical themes with not so subtle references to the public obsession with Windsor royals and the old-society members’ struggle with finding their place in the modern life. From the vantage point of 2020 viewer, the story turns from an entertaining account into a complex psychological drama of mother/son relations, suppressed self-realization, and the burden of traditions.

However, there is an interesting twist to the narrative. The original tale put to music by Tchaikovsky and Swan Lake ballet’s first choreographer J. Reisigner believed to reference the life of Bavarian King Ludwig II. When visiting Schwansee in his childhood, Ludwig II was preoccupied with the swans, was emotionally weak and deemed insane later in life. He was renowned for building bigger than life castles such as Neuschwanstein. It is conceivable that King’s life inspired Prince Siegfried’s character in Swan Lake. Watching Bourne’s interpretation, it is easy to find several parallels to Ludwig’s story in the libretto.

The production is universally known for its replacement of the gentle and tense female swan ensemble with the muscular, forceful, and vindictive flock of all-male dancers. Accentuated by the strong wings and loud hissing sound, their power and domination over feeble and thickly prince is in full swing in Act II and III. Yet, with all their wild freedom, even the swans are unable to accept and accommodate the outsider in their ranks. It’s a grim reminder of the stronghold of prejudice and a drive to preserve the homogeny.

The ballet has everything from puns and jokes to the touching despair and frightening indifference of those around us. For this run, the production was skillfully updated with a rather streamlined soundtrack in place of the live orchestra among other changes. Recognized as the longest-running dance show, the plot still has its potency and bitterness. The cast delivers its lines with the grace and power expected from the renown company.

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Ballet in NYC: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at New York City Center

Ballet in NYC: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at New York City Center

Tchaikovsky’s celebrated music combined with the reimagined dark fairy-tale in the powerful performance by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company is playing until February 9, 2020 at New York City Center 

Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake, Act II by Bourne New Adventures company
SWAN LAKE by Bourne, 2018, Plymouth, Royal Theatre Plymouth/ Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Director Matthew Bourne’s reimagined centuries-old fairy-tale set to the timeless music by Tchaikovsky dazzles, entertains, and shocks with the audience eagerly responding to each cue extended by the dancers. Created for the New Adventure company in 1995, Bourne’s libretto combines recognizable classical themes with not so subtle references to the public obsession with Windsor royals and the old-society members’ struggle with finding their place in the modern life. From the vantage point of 2020 viewer, the story turns from an entertaining account into a complex psychological drama of mother/son relations, suppressed self-realization, and the burden of traditions.

However, there is an interesting twist to the narrative. The original tale put to music by Tchaikovsky and Swan Lake ballet’s first choreographer J. Reisigner believed to reference the life of Bavarian King Ludwig II. When visiting Schwansee in his childhood, Ludwig II was preoccupied with the swans, was emotionally weak and deemed insane later in life. He was renowned for building bigger than life castles such as Neuschwanstein. It is conceivable that King’s life inspired Prince Siegfried’s character in Swan Lake. Watching Bourne’s interpretation, it is easy to find several parallels to Ludwig’s story in the libretto.

The production is universally known for its replacement of the gentle and tense female swan ensemble with the muscular, forceful, and vindictive flock of all-male dancers. Accentuated by the strong wings and loud hissing sound, their power and domination over feeble and thickly prince is in full swing in Act II and III. Yet, with all their wild freedom, even the swans are unable to accept and accommodate the outsider in their ranks. It’s a grim reminder of the stronghold of prejudice and a drive to preserve the homogeny.

The ballet has everything from puns and jokes to the touching despair and frightening indifference of those around us. For this run, the production was skillfully updated with a rather streamlined soundtrack in place of the live orchestra among other changes. Recognized as the longest-running dance show, the plot still has its potency and bitterness. The cast delivers its lines with the grace and power expected from the renown company. The thought-provoking spectacle is playing at New York City Center until February 9, 2020.

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Ballet in NYC: Complexions Contemporary Ballet at the Joyce Theater

Ballet in NYC: Complexions Contemporary Ballet at the Joyce Theater

Complexions Contemporary Ballet presents three dynamic programs for its 26th season at The Joyce Theater from January 21-February 2, 2020

Scene from Bach 25 by Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Bach 25; photo credit Sharen Bradford

Under the artistic direction of Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, the company presents three dynamic programs over two weeks combining new and already established works. Filled with a roster of some of the most diverse and exciting young stars, Complexions fills the Joyce Theater stage with their signature style of athleticism, virtuosity, and passion.

In the first week’s program (Program A), Complexions will present the world premiere of “Love Rocks” a full-company ballet set to works by the iconic GRAMMY Award-winning singer and songwriter, Lenny Kravitz.  Inspired by his vision and eclectic musicianship, this piece will follow Kravitz’s musical exploration where his lush melodies and retro musical style lay a foundation for passionate storytelling through edgy, athletic and theatrical movement as we examine our humanity and its vulnerability.

Returning this season due to popular demand is “BACH 25.” Set to the music of Johann Sebastian and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the work features the full company in continuous movement to the Baroque composers’ dramatic compositions. A festive, athletic, neo-classical work in the signature style of Complexions; this romantic, playful, and intensely physical piece celebrates the union of music and movement.

Shanna Irwin, Jared Brunson
Shanna Irwin, Jared Brunson in Bach 25; photo credit Sharen Bradford

In the second week (Program B), the company will reprise “WOKE,” a physical reaction to the daily news. A bold and dynamic socially conscious one-act ballet featuring the full company that examines our humanity in conjunction with today’s political climate. Set to an eclectic musical track that runs the gamut from electronica to rap, this work is inspired by the enlightened awareness and challenging moral compass of today’s generation. “BACH 25” will also be a part of this program.

All matinee programs (Matinee) will feature “Love Rocks” and “Essential Parts,” a compilation of audience favorites spanning the 26-year history of the company along with a new world premiere solo.  Highlights will include excerpts from classics such as “Rise” featuring the music of U2 (2008), and “Choke”(2006) among other audience favorites.

 

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Beyond NYC: “Don Quixote” by National Ballet of Ukraine at NJPAC

Beyond NYC: “Don Quixote” by National Ballet of Ukraine at NJPAC

Immortal story of Don Quixote in traditional staging by the celebrated National Ballet of Ukraine on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 7.30pm 

Ballet Don Quixote NJPAC Ukraine
Don Quixote, National Ballet of Ukraine; choreographer V. Lytvynov, costumes by V. Arif’ev / Image courtesy of National Opera of Ukraine

Classical ballet Don Quixote brings in a swirl of dances, colors, and joyous serenading to love and beauty. It is a perfect choice to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Ukraine Ballet company. The production is full of lavish decorations and extravagant dances which are choreographed following the classical version of the ballet created by Marius Petipa. With the National Ballet of Ukraine long-rooted tradition in classical dance and impeccable technique, the performance at the New Jersey Performing Art Center will make a delightful and cheerful experience for the audience. Book your tickets here and save 25% when buying 4 tickets  Select ME+3 for the ticket type.  

 

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Dance in NYC: Anna Karenina by Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg at Lincoln Center

Dance in NYC: Anna Karenina by Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg at Lincoln Center, NY

Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg returns to New York City on April 6-8, 2018 with a ballet Anna Karenina

Dance NYC Eifman Ballet Anna Karenina David Koch Theater
Anna Karenina / Image courtesy of Ardani Artists Management, Inc.

Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg is well-known on New York City dance scene. Its performances are eagerly anticipated by the fans of Russian ballet. Boris Eifman, the founder, and creator of this ballet theater, chooses complex psychological stories as the basis for his repertoire requiring from the spectators to know the literary text or the historical intricacies and to be able to appreciate a very abstract form of expression such as dance. In the case of Anna Karenina ballet, he obviously takes the cues from Leo Tolstoy but zeroes in on its main love triangle Anna-Vronsky-Karenin leaving aside the rest of Tolstoy’s characters. The show is dramatically staged and performed by the top-class classically trained dancers of Eifman Ballet theater. The performances in New York City will be taking place at the David H. Koch Theater on April 6-8, 2018. Book your discounted tickets with a promo code TNTIX here.

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