Originally scheduled for 2020, this revival of David Dawson’s 2016 work Swan Lake, heralds spring for Scottish Ballet.
Gone is the standard villain Rothbart, gone are the lavish units and gone are the feather-laden tutus. Dawson’s has eloquently and elegantly pared again the classical masterpiece to its important story of past love and rooted it firmly within the current.
John Otto’s minimalistic set is simplicity personified, the palette muted shades of gray, the set dressing nearly non-existent. Costume designer Yumiko Takeshima’s swan’s barely clad in white leotards with a suggestion of feathers embroidered on their torsos. The dancer’s motion is firmly entrance and centre.
Dawson’s choreography is wholly twenty first Century, his neo-classical type is showcased to perfection right here. It is athletic, highly effective, the torso the epicentre of the swan’s motion. The arms stretch, swoop and soar just like the elegant birds.
Principal Bruno Micchiardi (Siegfried) and visitor principal Sophie Martin (returning triumphantly to the roles she originated with the corporate) are a match made in heaven, completely paired in artistry and magnificence. Micchiardi’s strains are beautiful, flowing, lyrical. Martin is perfection, completely oozing star high quality, she is magnetic. The stage enlivens the second she steps upon it. She completely encapsulates the duality of her roles as Odette and Odile. Of explicit word is soloist Thomas Edwards who breathes power and pleasure into his position as Benno, glowing all through.
The male refrain’ synchronisation is superb, profiting from Dawson’s robust strains and flowing shapes, much less so is the feminine refrain, who are available in to their very own in act two however at occasions look lower than drilled within the opening act.
Worth mentioning is the orchestra of Scottish Ballet who’re at full power right here and the music soars by way of the auditorium all through. This Swan Lake is totally a sum of all its components. Perfect principals, chic soloists, the right manufacturing design and Dawson’s muscular choreography mix to breathe hearth into the brand new season at Scottish Ballet.
Runs till 6 April 2024 then touring | Images: Andy Ross
