The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
In advance of Scottish Ballet’s visit to the north of Scotland, where it will present The Crucible and Wee Hansel & Gretel, press manager Joy Parkinson talks to
Your Weekend
SCOTTISH BALLET IS TOURING THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND WITH TWO VERY DIFFERENT PRODUCTIONS, THE CRUCIBLE AND WEE HANSEL & GRETEL. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT EACH ONE?
The Crucible is based on Arthur Miller’s 1953 drama of power and persecution, at the time when the McCarthy hearings were taking place in America.
In it he explores the chilling impact of the 17th Century Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, and recalls a community destroyed by fear, hostility and hysteria.
This will be the first time that The Crucible has been performed as a ballet, but the story is as relevant today as when it was first written. It uses dance to express the emotional force of the text, which is perfectly paired with Peter Salem’s haunting new score played by members of the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
The artistic collaboration is completed with dramatic designs by set and costume designer Emma Kingsbury, and set and lighting designer David Finn, which brings the full production together and to life.
WHO IS THE CHOREOGRAPHER? The Crucible has been choreographed by American creative Helen Pickett, in collaboration with director James Bonas.
The whole production has been an incredibly collaborative process, working with the director, composer Peter Salem and designers Emma Kingsbury and David Finn, alongside the company and dancers, to bring the vision from page to stage.
WHAT CHARACTERS ARE DANCED IN THE CRUCIBLE?
A lot of the characters from the play are the same, however the main difference with this production is that it opens with the back story of the core characters’ relationship, so it uses the relationship and love triangle of Abigail and Elisabeth and John Proctor, to drive the story forward.
THE BALLET HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ‘EDGE OF THE SEAT’ STUFF. WHAT MAKES IT SO EXCITING?
It’s a ballet for our times using dance to convey emotions to address themes that surround power and persecution.
BY WAY OF A COMPLETE CONTRAST, HANSEL & GRETEL IS ALSO TOURING. TELL US ABOUT THIS PRODUCTION.?
This show has been specially adapted for young children – and the adults who come with them, and is a great way for them to discover the magic of ballet. Youngsters join brother and sister Hansel and Gretel as they go on an adventure deep into the woods. Along the way they meet a rather beguiling witch and her mysterious raven, before arriving in an enchanted gingerbread house filled with dancing sweet treats and toys that come to life. Originally choreographed by Scottish Ballet’s artistic director Christopher Hampson in 2013, dancers from Scottish Ballet will perform in this well-known fairytale alongside talented students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s BA in Modern Ballet. With set and costumes designed by Gary Harris, Wee Hansel & Gretel will be performed to the music of Engelbert Humperdinck, recorded live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, making it a colourful interpretation of the Grimm Brothers’ famous fairytale.
WHERE AND WHEN CAN READERS SEE THE CRUCIBLE AND WEE HANSEL & GRETEL?
The Crucible will open at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen from Thursday October 3-5 before being performed in Eden Court, Inverness, on October 9 and 10.
Wee Hansel & Gretel visits Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, on Saturday October 5 and Sunday October 6.
● ● When does your weekend start? After rehearsal at Scottish Ballet at 1.30pm on a Saturday.
● Perfect night in?
Spending most of the night cooking a complicated recipe for my partner, who is usually starving by the time it’s ready.
● Perfect night out?
I absolutely love events and parties that are near rivers, lakes or, my absolute favourite, THE SEA!
● Ideal weekend partner? Constance Devernay, principal of Scottish Ballet and love of my life.
● Favourite weekend shopping destination? ● Favourite place to walk? ● Weekend you’d love to live again? New Year 2017/18.
● Weekend you’d hate to live again? Snowed in at Paris CDG airport with no money left aged 17.
● Perfect Sunday breakfast? ● Your cure for the Sunday blues? ● Your dream weekend (if money was no object)?
A golf lesson with Tiger Woods at St Andrews… on a sunny day!
● Jamiel Laurence is assistant choreographer on Scottish Ballet’s Wee Hansel & Gretel, which is currently touring Scotland and will be at Eden Court, Inverness on October 5 and 6. For full details, visit the website: www.scottishballet.co.uk/event/ wee-hansel-gretel