Richmond Theatre – until Saturday 13th January 2024
Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge
5*****
Richmond Theatre brings you Swan Lake presented by Mergaliyev Classical Ballet, the well-known classic, composed by Tchaikovsky which, to this day is still adored by audiences across the world.
Swan Lake unravels the beguiling and timeless story of both love and betrayal, the journey of many highs and lows as well as the power that love itself can behold.
Prince Seigried (Azamat Askarov) is admired by many, yet no one manages to catch his eye. That is until he meets the stunning, captivating, flawless Odette (Assel Askarova) who captures his heart. However, the malicious magician, Rothbart (Jackson Stewart) has enchanted Odette along with multiple other young ladies to spend the rest of their lives as swans. Apart from the few hours every night where they can return to their human forms. The only way the curse can be broken is through the act of true love, which the Prince promises to do so while he expresses his eternal love for Odette. Unfortunately, the Prince is tricked back at the Queen’s (Priscilla Volpe) castle where a ball is being held for him. He is tempted and lured in by Odille, Rothbart’s daughter, believing it truly is Odette, therefore breaking the vow he had made to Odette, causing her to be in despair as she dies. Once Prince Seigfried realises his mistake, he confronts Rothbart in a fierce battle. Triumphant, Siegfried breaks the evil spell, leaving him and Odette to live their ‘happily ever after.’
Throughout the ballet, all dancers provided utter perfection, allowing the audience to really appreciate the story. Everyone played their roles flawlessly, depicting a multitude of emotions with their elegant movements and facial expressions.
Whenever Odette was on stage, I simply could not take my eyes off her, her dancing was particularly precise while also being soft and delicate. When dancing with Prince Seigfried, she showed control and structure. Both truly gave us a phenomenal performance. He too was amazing, performing wonderfully and showing a true connection with Odette.
Rothbart certainly embodied the darkness and mystic feel of the character, lurking in the shadows and floating across the stage.
The Jester (Aibar Toktar) juxtaposed the sometimes dark atmosphere. His touch of comedy got the audience to laugh through little parts of the production.
I must say that the Cygnets (Amara Galloway, Kira Ewing, Emily Pohl and Lilou Coulad) did an exceptional job at their specific dance. It was exquisitely executed and left me in awe.
The scenery was simple yet perfectly portrayed the atmosphere and overall mood of the scenes. Not to mention the orchestra were remarkable, it was magnificent to be able to see them playing. The music added much depth and meaning to each dancing, reflecting the dainty, soft nature of certain dances as well as the more sharp, intricate dances.
Watching this ballet certainly put a smile on my face. The whole production was breathtaking, and I would definitely recommend coming to see this.