The image of ballet as being too boring is shattered
Retelling a classic, Russian romantic ballet as famous as Swan Lake is an impressive ambition; creating a modern version that goes on to become the longest-running ballet on both the West End and Broadway is an even more impressive accomplishment, writes Melina Block.
Since its first staging 30 years ago, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake garnered him international acclaim and three decades on it remains a striking masterpiece of dance theatre.
Widely regarded as Bourne’s Magnum Opus, his Swan Lake is perhaps most famous for replacing the traditional all-female corps de ballet of swans with an intimidating crew of smokey-eyed men and including a gay love story for the protagonist (and being the show that a grown-up Billy Elliot performs in at the end of the film). Retaining Tchaikovsky’s powerful, iconic score and the general plot points of the original ballet, it is easy to see why this show took the world by storm upon its premiere.
Swans, despite their disturbingly sharp teeth and penchant for violent flapping, have been afforded a reputation of grace and glamour – likely due in large part to their romantic portrayal within the original Russian Swan Lake. Bourne digs deeper, with the audible, synchronised gasps and exhales of his male swans punctuating their sharp, angular leaps and extensions. Gone are the delicate swans of the romantic era; Bourne’s swans are equal parts aggressive and alluring. When they come together the impact is as intimidating as it is breathtaking.
The image of ballet as being too stuffy, boring and convoluted to engage a modern audience is shattered by this show. It is hard to imagine just how radical Bourne’s reimagining of one of ballet’s most beloved classics was when it premiered in the Nineties. Even if explorations and challenges of gender and sexuality have become more commonplace on the stage, three decades later Bourne’s Swan Lake remains a dramatically stunning, genuinely exciting spectacle.
New Wimbledon Theatre until 4th October.
Booking and full details: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matthew-bournes-swan-lake/new-wimbledon-theatre/
