A pallid, passionless Swan Lake
Swan Lake Russian National Ballet Theatre Opera House, Wellington, until August 19 Reviewed by Ann Hunt
THERE are many ways of interpreting Swan Lake. Most tend to follow the same romantic scenario. But whichever version of the story is portrayed, the essential requirement is passion. Without it, the scenario seems pointless and unbelievable. Sadly, in the Russian National Ballet Theatre’s production, passion is almost totally absent.
It is no longer, if it ever was, good enough to simply dance the steps. They must be believably interpreted. If that is absent it doesn’t matter if you dance them exceptionally well, although that does help. Sadly again, in this production the choreography is not exceptionally well danced, either. The lack of vibrant set and costume design does not help matters, and the lighting is simply mystifying. Overall production designs look pallid and tired.
The $20 double programme – it serves the company’s forthcoming production of Sleeping Beauty next month as well – contains little useful information. Presumably artistic director Evgeny Amosov also choreographed additional dances, loosely based on the original Petipa/Ivanov choreography. But your guess is as good as mine.
It is unclear whether the role of Odette/Odile was danced by the same person. Lutcko Marta’s Odette was technically able but emotionally detached. There is simply no connection at all between her and Ziegfried (Moskalets Mykyta). Both dancers give cautious interpretations of their respective roles. There is little or no risk-taking by either, or indeed by many in the cast. The corps de ballet and soloists lack energy. The exceptions being the Spanish Dancers in Act Three and the Jester, who certainly has energy, but perhaps would be more at home in a pantomime.
Particularly irritating are the constant curtain calls taken at every possible opportunity, regardless of whether they stall the action or ruin the atmosphere. The worst example of this was that taken after the great Act Two pas de deux by Odette and Ziegfried.
It is disappointing to have to slate a production in this manner, but there is so much wrong with this Swan Lake that there is little choice.