Stage: The White Stuff
Worthing Theatres announce Russian State Ballet and Opera House to present Swan Lake
Little says Christmas like a classic ‘white ballet’ and after last year’s success, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is back to perform Swan Lake, the most famous ballet of all times, suitable for the whole family.
There will be little surprise to any that this production will be delicate, intimate and powerful. The Company is known for its attention to detail and, more particularly, for its dramatisation in dance of the tragedy and beauty that this ballet is known for.
This should prove an unforgettable journey in the run-up to Christmas; an ideal introduction to people of any age to the magic that is classical ballet as you become a part of the magic as it unfolds.
We asked Alexej Ignatow, producer of Russian State Ballet & Opera House, what makes his company so unique and stand out from the rest?
“Russian State Ballet and Opera House was founded to represent quality and passion for ballet and opera at the highest level,” says Alexej. “Unlike many other companies that travel to Europe with ballet and opera productions, we only focus on working with established theatres in the Russian Federation. These theatres have many years of experience and, most importantly, they have an established spine of directors and leaders which have gone through the best artistic institutions in Russia and the former Soviet Union.
“Our logo is the assurance of a quality production. Every year we aim to bring a different artist to the UK, which means that although you may have seen a Nutcracker ballet one year, next time the set, costumes, artists and even choreography will be different. It will feel like a different show altogether, but still with the same high level of quality.”
With instantly recognisable music and a timeless story of good against evil, Swan Lake is the greatest of romantic Ballets. Swan Lake transforms the classical ballet into a fairy-tale featuring a timeless score from incredible composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
And Swan Lake is the certified Russian classic, replete with that evocative music and beautiful dance.
Full of mystery and romance, this ballet has captured the imagination of many generations over the years, and continues to attract audiences worldwide and inspire both young and old.
Alexej Ignatow adds: “We often get asked how would you encourage people who have never seen a ballet before, to come and attend a ballet for the first time? And my instant reply is that you don’t need to be an expert in classical ballet or music. We ensure that the set and costumes make the production easy to follow. The music is beautiful and sometimes even if you lost in the plot, just close your eyes to enjoy the music.”
The story of Swan Lake is woven around two girls, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely they can easily be mistaken for the other. A compelling legend of tragic romance tells the story of Odette, a Princess turned into a swan by an evil curse.
Russian State Ballet and Opera House is an upholder of Russian cultural traditions, bringing the passion and vibrancy of the Russian character to one of the most well-known ballets. They have ensured that this classic ballet remains just as spell bounding today as it was when it was composed over 130 years ago.
It includes all the favourite elements of Tchaikovsky’s music too. The twinned role of the pure White Swan and the scheming, duplicitous Black Swan tests the full range of a ballerina’s powers, particularly in the two great pas de deux.
Other highlights include the charming ‘Dance of the Little Swans’ performed by a moonlit lake and sweeping ballroom waltzes in the splendour of the Royal Palace. Swan Lake has become one of the most loved of all ballets.
The Russian State Ballet and Opera House, Connaught Theatre, Worthing, Saturday 16 November Box office 01903 206206
www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
