Represent Review: Imperial Russian Ballet
Representah Werner scored some points with his wifey by sweeping her off to the Imperial Russian Ballet at the Civic aka Nelson Mandela Theatre. He says it’s a must see – so go on… treat your lady. See it! But hurry it’s showing from now ’till the 24th June.
It is not very often that we have the privilege of being captivated by truly world class performances from international artists. Well, if you have been sitting on the sideline waiting for such an event, the wait is finally over.
The Imperial Russian Ballet troupe is currently visiting South Africa and thrilling audiences for a limited number of performances. As the name suggests the group is from Moscow and was founded in 1994 by legendary Russian ballet dancer Maya Plisetskaya. The company has already toured several countries including diverse countries such as Australia, Japan, Germany and many more.
The choreography, albeit mostly classical, tends to lean to the modernist style unique to performances we have learnt to expect from Russia. The stage design, costumes and wonderful music is only outdone by the incredible talent of the performers.
The programme is unique in the sense that it is broken into two distinctive acts consisting of a number of interpretations of well known ballet masterpieces. The first act is dedicated to George Bizet’s “Carmen” and is a truly a fitting introduction to an evening of spectacular dance. The second act comprises of a number of restyled ballets that include “Swan Lake”, “Nutcracker”, “Don Quixote” and “Orpheus in the Underworld”.
Audiences will be overwhelmed by the wealth of talent that exists within the troupe and left breathless by the masterful performances of dancers like Anastasia Mikheikina, Nariman Bekzhanov and Kirill Rad. The repertoire of the cast includes numerous well known ballets and it is clearly evident that the production and performers are set to thrill audiences worldwide for quite some time to come.
The production is currently staged at the Nelson Mandela Theatre and runs from 19th to the 24th of June 2007.
Lovers of the performing arts should note that this is truly one production that is not to be missed.
Details:
Venue: NELSON MANDELA THEATRE
Date: June 19th – 24th
Price: (from) R125 inclusive of booking fee
THE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN BALLET
IMPERIAL RUSSIAN BALLET was founded in April 1994, on the initiative of the legendary Russian ballet dancer Maya Plisetskaya. The group’s name is a tribute to both former “emperors” of the stage – immortal founders of the Russian ballet stage, and to the Emperor’s family, that had made a great historical contribution into native culture, including the foundation of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres.
“Imperial Russian Ballet” today – is one of the most successful and relevant ballet groups in Moscow. It is characterized high troupe skill that works as a unit. The repertoire of the theatre is built on a composition of classical masterpieces and performances, based on modern finding. The creative activity of the “imperial” is vivid, bright and unique. It attracts the cooperation of not only Russian stars, but also leading artists from the best European and American theatres. The Company has already toured in Australia, Germany, Finland, Spain, Portugal, USA, Brazil, Uruguay, Japan and many other countries.
The name of Gediminas Taranda is closely connected with the name of the great Plisetskaya. It was him, who became the follower of her style in modern ways, the holder of personality in ballet, searching for new forms of connecting stage art with the public. Ballet lovers today are the witnesses of his creative bloom, and his name always promises innovations in the dancing style of the “Imperial”.
“Imperial Russian Ballet” and its Art director were the initiators and members of numerous competitions and gala-shows that became noticeable events both in Russian cultural life and abroad.
The Programme includes:
George Bizet – Carmen (One Act Ballet)
P.Tchaikovsky – Swan Lak – Pas de Deux
L. Minkus – Grand Pad de Deux – Don Quixote
A. Glazounov – Extract from Ballet – Raymonda
C. Saint-Saens – “The Dying Swan” and much more…
