|
|
|
|
|
The Nutcracker
a Russian State Ballet of Siberia
Wolverhampton Grand.
***
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia came to Wolverhampton on Sunday
afternoon in the middle of an extended provincial tour showcasing four
ballets. Although
Wolverhampton is considerably warmer than Siberia at this time of year
(a good reason for decamping from a Russian Winter) a sharp nip in the
Black Country air would have made the company feel at home. The
afternoon’s performance was of The Nutcracker, on Monday they perform
Swan Lake, before proceeding to Edinburgh. Artistic Director Sergei
Bobrov omits the Sugar Plum Fairy in a nod to Socialist Realism in
Soviet Ballet in a production heavy on cast numbers and costume, but a
little light on scenery. The score by Tchaikovsky, now
just over a hundred years old, is familiar and has endured, the
melancholy, descending scale melody for the adagio of the Grand Pas de
Deux, still stirs. Conductor Alexander Yudasin keeps time well, although
a slower than usual tempo occasionally passed to languid, resulting in
the crescendos sounding a little rushed. Disappointingly the dance of
the Sugar Plum Fairy was played on a keyboard rather than a Celesta,
aficionados will accept no substitute. Marie, the prima ballerina
delights, played by the elegant Natalia Bobrova, but always seems to be
performing well within her capacity, whilst executing her curtseys and
bows with studied aplomb. Her partner, Ivan Karnaukov, as the Prince was
muscular and dashing. The story of toys coming alive
was popularised in film by Toy Story, but on stage takes on a magic of
its own as an army of toy soldiers battle against a gang of mice . The
spectacle is impressive but the first half set is let down by a painted
backdrop incorporating a Christmas tree which fails to meet the
performed production standards. Closing the first half the waltz of the
snowflakes is a joy although some of the battement movement could have
been tighter. In the second half the
divertissement sequence of national dance sumptuously dressed by
Christina Fyodorova including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, and
dancers delighted. A lavish walk down with over
twenty five dancers on stage was a visual feast leaving the audience
entranced and satisfied. The Russian State Ballet of Siberia continue on
tour till mid March performing The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Coppelia and
La Fille Mal Gardee. Gary Longden
08-02-15
|
|
|
|
