(Scene from "Carmina Burana")Disappointment at replica of previous programme balanced by some fine performances. (Review by Mary Ann Salvage)
The Imperial Russian Ballet appeared at the Playhouse Opera this week for two performances as part of their South African tour 2012.
Eagerly awaiting another visit from the Imperial Russian Ballet, I must admit I was hugely disappointed to discover that the programme was a replica of their previous one presented in 2009!
Act 1 commenced with Scenic Cantata Carmina Burana, a ballet with music by German composer Carl Orff. I struggled to grasp the meaning of this complex piece, as did many other people I spoke to during interval and after the show. In my opinion, the choreography is outdated and old-fashioned and it was an unnecessary inclusion in the programme.
Walpurgis Night, the one-act ballet from the opera Faust, was a delightful piece which should have opened the evening. It certainly set a more light-hearted tone to Act 2.
The Grand Pas de Deux from the ballet Don Quixote did not disappoint, especially Lina Seveliova’s performance of Kitri. What followed was a beautiful contemporary dance piece Don’t leave me performed by Anna Pashkova. It was a lovely break to the programme.
The Pas de Deux from Spartacus, not printed in the programme, and Sleeping Beauty as well as the Dying Swan solo showcased the technical abilities of the company. Special mention should be made of Oxana Sharova (Dying Swan) who brought a unique interpretation to Saint-Saens music and Fokine’s choreography. However, the lighting in the form of gobos distracted me as it caused shadows on the dancer.
The Can-Can Orpheus in the Underworld showcased two very athletic dynamic male dancers who were the highlight of the finale for me. The Lady in Red was good, albeit a bit passé. It was a fun piece to end the show but, unfortunately, “milking” the audience for applause is just not a good idea. I certainly hope that their next trip to South Africa will see a new repertoire.
The Imperial Russian Ballet continues their South African tour to East London, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg, where they will end their run. - Mary Ann Salvage
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