Ballet Preljocajs’ Snow White photograph bu Yang Want via Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
QPAC International Series presents Ballet Preljocajs’ Snow White at the Lyric Theatre as part of the 2016 Brisbane Festival. A truly magnificent interpretation of the telling of a much loved folk tale from the Brothers Grimm. This provocative, magical and salacious ballet transfixed me from the start to finish.
This high impact modern work embodies a sensitivity and intelligence that transcends the classic form of the tale through its powerful blend of contemporary dance, imagery and sound. Allowing for a deeper experience both visually and psychologically. The relationships, journeys and emotions of the main characters are empowered like never before in this production through narrative choreography that provides a seamless augmentation of the story.
As soon as the first scene commenced with pervading mist and subtle lighting effects I was hooked. Curtain rises, dark somber music plays as Snow White’s mother descends from stage left, writhing through shadows in the throes of childbirth I knew this would be a very different experience of Snow White. I was spellbound by the intensity and aesthetics from the first moment.
Evocative costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier reflect a deep and seductive essence to the characters throughout the work. From the extreme dark dominatrix regalia of the evil step mother and her gargoyle velveteen cats, to the innocent yet sensual toga style piece for Snow White, I loved the beauty, boldness and sensitivity of all the dancers’ costumes.
Immaculate performances by the dancers Emilie Lalande as Snow White, Redi Shtyla as the Prince and The Queen, Cecilia Torres Morillo along with the other permanent dancers of The Ballet Preljocaj based in Aix-en-Provence are incredible. I loved how the dancers at times, seemed to have lost themselves in the joy of performance with the occasional vocal expression of laughter or exclamation. This freedom allowed the audience to gain a better resolution with the characters involved, tearing away the veil between audience and performers.
The powerful set design from Thierry Leproust (Le Songe de Medee, 2004) is superb, coupled with the expertise of the technical and lighting crew availed transitions perfectly executed throughout the piece. The seven dwarf’s abseiling delivered a wow factor, exhibiting choreographic genius. Another favorite would have to be the wicked step mother’s giant gilt mirror, how clever the opaque nature of the ‘mirror’ reflected every movement of the characters (I’m not giving away too many secrets here!) The outstanding, stunningly surreal effect of looking at a Snow White scene with her seven dwarfs in a heavenly evocative setting not unlike that of a moving Caravaggio painting was a highlight. The audience were in trance at this stage as I glanced around at their faces.
Gustav Mahler’s symphonies performed by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Johannes Fritszch was divine, especially so with during the duet with Snow White and her Prince. Throughout the production montages of additional sound by 79D invoked superb atmospherics.
As a fellow patron said as when the performance finished, “it is a wonder worth experiencing with the power to render you speechless!”
I highly recommend seeing it for yourself as one of the true gems of contemporary ballet performance.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Ballet Preljocajs’ Snow White
QPAC International Series
Choreographer: Angelin Preljocaj
Music composition: Gustav Mahler, 79D
Music performed by: Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Johannes Fritzsch
Costumes: Jean Paul Gaultier
Set design: Thierry Leproust
THE LYRIC THEATRE QPAC
2-11 September 2016
