WORLD PREMIERE The Story of Elizabeth and Swan Lake

COMPANY LETS FLY WITH SWAN LAKE

Review by Peta Koch

The Story of Elizabeth and Swan Lake is easily Ballet Theatre of Queensland’s most adventurous production.

The long-established amateur youth company has a history of traditional and conservative productions but in its latest season, it has dared to challenge the classics with a young and modern look at an old favourite, Swan Lake.

As well as the usual story and choreography, adapted by Artistic Director Leslie White from the original Petipa and Ivanov versions, this ballet has added its own liberally updated interpretation.

The Tchaikovsky music rests surprisingly well beside that of contemporary composers Vangelis and Alan Parsons, as does the contemporary dance, choreographed by Natalie Weir.

In another uncharacteristic move for Ballet Theatre, the company uses theatre and the spoken work in this tale of a group of spirited teenagers, who are encouraged by a ghost, Elizabeth, to redirect their energies away from boisterous but fruitless behaviour and into the more constructive vein of performance.

White’s classical choreography is challenging yet within the grasp of the students. Weir continues to establish herself as a young choreographer of exciting potential with her fearless but fluid style, daring lifts, and strong and purposeful direction.

Sharyn Winney uses her body expressively as Odette, Sonya Townson is sinuously seductive as Odile. Andrew Beiers is imposingly menacing as Van Rothbart. The cast looks as it is enjoying itself immensely.

The Courier-Mail, October 2, 1989