(The Angels scene. Pic by John Hogg)
An absolutely fantastic
production. (Review by Keith Millar)
With magnificent
choreography, dazzling sets, glorious music and exquisite dancing, Hansel and Gretel is an absolutely fantastic production. To see a company of
young dancers performing with such unfettered delight, exuberance and passion is
an unquestionable joy, and enough to bring a tear to the eye.
The Johannesburg
Youth Ballet Company currently has 55 dancers ranging in age from 13 to the
early twenties. They commissioned their two act Ballet based on the fairytale Hansel and Gretel in 2012. This year, as
part of their 2013 tour, they brought the production to the National Arts
Festival in Grahamstown for two performances in the Guy Butler Theatre at the
Settlers Monument.
The ballet provides
everything an audience could wish for from the Brother Grim’s 200 year old
fable. A scary forest that moves, a terrifying witch, an evil stepmother, an
edible gingerbread house, devastating poverty and hunger and the desolation of
abandonment. Then there are angels, birds, fireflies, night creatures, fire
spirits, a swan, the sandman and four beautiful jewels.
Adding their
considerable skill to this production are three of South Africa’s icons of the
entertainment industry.
Imaging and choreography is by the legendry
Mark Hawkins who has been in the forefront of South African dance for the past
30 years. He has created a captivating and awe-inspiring narrative ballet which
appeals to all ages.
The original score
for Hansel and Gretel was composed by
Nik Sakellarides. He has 25 years’ experience in writing music for the film and
television industry. He used all this creative expertise and knowledge to
compose a wonderfully evocative and dramatic score. It is truly a magnificent
piece of music which can stand on its own as a masterpiece. In fact, I bought
the CD.
International set
and costume designer, Andre Botha, is another 30 year veteran who applied his
skills to this production. His sets, costumes and animation design, combined
with the AV and projection expertise of Malcolm Finlay has created a magical
backdrop for the ballet.
It is wonderful
that these luminaries have made such a meaningful contribution to youth
development in the arts.
Gretel was danced
by Jaimee Mills and Hansel by Lwazi Mzimase while the role of the father was
taken by guest star Nigel Hannah. However, the entire cast deserves the credit
for an amazing, glittering and moving performance. I have always believed that
dance is for the young, who are supple, flexible and fearless and nothing I saw
in this production has changed that opinion. All of them showed grace,
elegance, strength and co-ordination which hinted at the many hours of practice
and rehearsal they must have put in.
There were many
young people in the audience and I am willing to bet that by the end of the
show all the girls, and not a few of the boys, were demanding ballet lessons.
Johannesburg Youth
Ballet will be performing Hansel and
Gretel in Johannesburg from August 13 to 18 and in Durban from September 19
to 21. Don’t miss it! Get your tickets now! – Keith Millar
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