Paris Opera Ballet Soars
Sun Herald
Sunday June 24, 2007
SWAN LAKE
Capitol Theatre, Haymarket.Until June 24. Tickets $65-$215.Bookings 1300 136 166.Critic's rating: 8/10SYDNEY audiences have witnessed many exciting interpretations of Swan Lake - among the most memorable were Graeme Murphy's production for the Australian Ballet and Anthony Dowell's creation for the Royal Ballet with Darcey Bussell.Now, the Paris Opera Ballet makes its first appearance in Australia, performing Rudolph Nureyev's acclaimed 1984 staging, which strengthened the story by putting the focus on Prince Siegfried (a role he made his own).It's a production distinguished by an outstanding sense of clarity and sophistication, with power drawn from exquisitely clean lines and unadorned technique, danced expertly by an impeccably uniform ensemble.With grace and precision, the dancers' heads tilt perfectly, feet move exactly and limbs appear longer and leaner as they move en masse.The talented men in the company have spring and vitality in their steps. In line with Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov's production of Swan Lake more than a century ago, Nureyev made changes that served to unify the physical and psychological action. He eliminated the jester and reintroduced the tutor, who becomes the evil Rothbart in the prince's imagination.On the night I saw the production, Stephan Bullion held the show together with his worthy performance in these roles.Emmanuel Thibault excelled in an early pas de trois, while ensemble highlights included the entertainment at the palace in act three and the swans gathering in act four.In the principle role of Odette/Odile, Marie-Agnes Gillot demonstrated supreme flexibility and shone during a series of fouettes in the final act. This ballet doesn't need to shout to be heard. The set is minimalist, the costumes by Franca Squarciapino are lovely: soft muted colours, intricate detailing and shiny beads that rise above razzle-dazzle.
© 2007 Sun Herald