_AS.jpg)
(Pic: GTG/Gregory
Batardon)
Decidedly abstract version
takes the Shakespeare satire and turns it into a fairyland fantasy world.
(Review by Keith Millar)
The Geneva based ballet
company, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genèva, was a popular visitor the National
Arts Festival in Grahamstown this year where they performed their contemporary
version of William Shakespeare’s A
Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The music,
splendidly performed by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, was undoubtedly
Felix Mendelssohn’s, and the plot roughly resembled Shakespeare’s, but there
any nod at traditional or classical ended.
This decidedly
abstract version by French choreographer Michel Kelemenis takes the Shakespeare
satire about Elizabethan society and turns it into a fairyland fantasy world
where dreams rule and anything is possible. It is a kaleidoscope of colour and
high energy movement as the classically trained dancers fly barefoot about the
stage in colourful costumes. There are love-potions, forests without trees and
a donkey which resembles an item of plastic modernist art.
The Grand Théâtre
de Genèva Ballet Company is composed of 22 classically trained dancers from all
over the world – including a South African.
Principal dancers
for this production are Joseph Atkin (King of the Elves) and Yu Otagaki (Fairy
Queen). They are both beautiful performers who move with effortless grace and
skill.
The group of
travelling actors are danced by men dressed in flowing woman’s costumes. Included
among them is a bearded fellow with a very pretty bobbed hairstyle and an
angelic smile. They were hilarious.
Underpinning it all
was Felix Mendelssohn’s wonderful score. He composed the overture in 1826 and
completed the work in 1843. It is probably best remembered for the well-known Wedding March. Playing from the
orchestra pit, the KZNPO conducted by Lykele Temmingh did great justice to this
marvellous music.
The Ballet du Grand
Théâtre de Genèva’s version of A
Midsummers Night’s Dream may not have pleased some traditionalists who
enjoy tutus and ballet shoes. They did, however, see an excellent and enjoyable
exhibition of dance from a company which is committed to being progressive and
innovative. – Keith Millar
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