Synonymous with ballet the world over, Swan Lake takes flight once more as this keenly anticipated new production commemorates the 60th anniversary of The Australian Ballet.
The very first ballet to be staged by the company, Swan Lake has marked both the 40th anniversary (in an iconic reimagining by Graeme Murphy) and the 50th anniversary (in a less impactful traditional production from Stephen Baynes).
The choreography for this new production has input from artists reaching across the decades of the company’s history. Based upon the 1977 production by then artistic director Anne Woolliams (after Marius Petipa), there is additional choreography from Ray Powell, new additional choreography from Lucas Jervies, coaching from 1977 opening night Odette/Odile Marilyn Rowe, and direction from current artistic director David Hallberg.
Dancers and audiences alike have waited for Swan Lake to return. Standout featured performers in the 2016 revival of Baynes’ Swan Lake are now Principal Artists, with Benedicte Bemet, Sharni Spencer, and Dimity Azouri each making their debut as Odette/Odile in this season.
The high performance standard of Swan Lake benefits not just from the sheer number of dancers in the cast but also the formidable depth of talent across the company. From festive divertissements to the awe-inspiring corps of swans, there is beauty and wonder on display at all times.
Under the exacting baton of maestro Jonathan Lo, the much-loved Tchaikovsky score sounds sumptuous as played by Orchestra Victoria. Special mention to harpist Tijana Kozarcic for her truly lovely work.
Placing his own stamp on the ballet, Hallberg has gathered international artists for the creative team.
Quite possibly taking a higher proportion of the budget than the sets, Mara Blumenfeld’s costumes are a delectable rainbow of luscious Mediterranean shades. A highlight is the post-modern version of party wear worn by the visiting noble women, sporting skirts that are clearly too short for the era but are oh-so-chic, not to mention perfect for dance.
Set designer Daniel Ostling manages to develop an effective visual through-line for the production, a key aspect of which is the presence of stark shadowed trees in every scene. Replacing the royal palace with a grand manor house, the act three ballroom is clearly the interior of the same stately home seen in act one.
Lighting designer T.J. Gerckens has the pristine white swans seen at their sparkling best. Use of shadow creates intriguing mystery around the rear cliff face for the ballet’s tragic climax.
In a brief prologue, von Rothbart, dressed not unlike the Phantom of the Opera, transforms the latest batch of unfortunate maidens into swans. As act one begins, peasants and patricians take turns in dancing merrily to celebrate the name day of Prince Siegfried. Act one is a vibrant cavalcade of ensemble dances, presented with a strong sense of organic spontaneity.
A clear highlight of act one is the inclusion of the pas de six, a beautifully expressive sequence danced by Rina Nemoto, Jill Ogai, Mason Lovegrove, Nathan Brook, Yuumi Yamada, and Aya Watanabe. Ogai, in particular, stands out with a delicately expressive solo.
The act three ball sees three young women presented to the distracted Siegfried as options for marriage. Keeping the colours vibrant, Blumenfeld shows restraint in her costuming, denoting a distinctly Spanish cohort but keeping the the other two groups generically European.
Resplendent in gleaming white, Joseph Caley, as Prince Siegfried, appears just slightly affected by nerves in his reflective solo at the act one curtain. There are palpable sparks of chemistry at the first meeting of Siegfried and Odile, and Caley goes on to command many a sweeping highlight.
From her very first appearance, Bemet is in total control as Odile, her every move filled with precision and purpose. Bemet and Caley have the audience in their thrall for the act two pas de deux, which is a clear highlight of the entire evening.
As Odile, Bemet makes a fully realised contrast to Odette, playing the sensual young woman in black as a self-confident coquette who is wickedly enjoying the game that she and her partner von Rothbart are playing.
Returning as Odette, Bemet utilises her entire physicality in a heart rending evocation of the dying swan.
While much of the focus is on the new production, Bemet’s sterling performance ensures that dance itself shines in the spotlight as well.
With the audience still catching their breath after that extraordinary pas de deux, the beloved Cygnets are a very welcome relief with their cheeky synchronicity, delightfully performed by Yuumi Yamada, Jill Ogai, Jade Wood, and Aya Watanabe.
A significant feature in their own right, the swans are a joy to watch, capably led with noble warmth by Lead Swans Valerie Tereshchenko and Rina Nemoto. The disciplined cohesion of the corps means that the swans are constantly seen to breathe as one.
Rather than a harsh older man, Jarryd Madden plays von Rothbart as a sleek and glossy villain, his vanity and cruelty bringing to mind a young Valmont from Dangerous Liaisons.
As a misplaced court jester, Marcus Morelli leaves the audience wanting more, his frisky acrobatics a cheeky delight. Guest artist Rachel Rawlins is a serene presence as the Queen Mother.
With the Melbourne season basically sold out before opening night, affection for Swan Lake clearly remains strong. The elegant new production showcases the high quality of dance to excellent effect, continuing the love for this celebrated ballet for further generations to come.
Swan Lake plays at State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until 30 September. For possible ticket availability during the season, click here.
Swan Lake plays at Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre 7-14 October 2023. For tickets, click here.
Swan Lake plays at Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre 24-28 October 2023. For tickets, click here.
Swan Lake plays at Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House 1 – 20 December 2023. For tickets, click here.
Swan Lake will play as a livestream (available up to 14 days after the event) on Friday 29 September 2023. To purchase access to the livestream, click here.
Casting for Swan Lake can be read online.
Photos: Kate Longley
Man in Chair 