Having first fallen in love with Swan Lake as a child mesmerized by the graceful ballet dancers working their way across the stage like birds in flight, it is one production I insist on seeing whenever I have the chance. The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake is a classically Soviet production of elegance. Set in the breathtaking – and rather underrated – surroundings of the London Coliseum, it provided an evening of transportation to a dreamlike state.
The St Petesburg Ballet Theatre company is an unusual one, having been founded in 1994 and having just one Prima Ballerina (Irina Kolesnikova). Their production of Swan Lake provides the traditional Russian happy ending from the 1877 Bolshoi Ballet production, rather than the more popular and deeply tragic ending created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in 1895. The tragic ending suits Tchaikovsky’s score far better, so I’m not entirely sure why the Russian ballet companies insist on providing the happy ending every time.
For this production the scenery is simple to allow for touring-ease, yet no less effective and really rather lovely as it ensured focus was on the dancing, although it was a shame about the wrinkled moon that was in desperate need of an iron. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score was performed exceptionally well by the English National Orchestra.
As soon as the first scene was over we were captivated, and continued to be entranced throughout by the technically sound performances, with Sergei Fedorkov as the jester a particular highlight. What did lack, however, was chemistry between Prince Siegfried and Odette/Odile. The lack of chemistry did not impact the acting skills though, with the torment and unimaginable pain etched on Odette’s (Irina Kolesnikova) face throughout, lifting you into her mind and forcing you to empathise with the heartbreaking situation her and Prince Siegfried (Denis Rodkin, on loan from the Bolshoi) are thrown into. However there was simply a lack of romance and closeness between the two, and their movements felt too technical rather than emotionally charged.
Compared to the Royal Opera House’s pricing this one is a overly steep, with top price tickets selling for £95. For the London Coliseum and a touring company we do think this is slightly too high, especially as the Coliseum is known for being the gateway to Ballet and Opera. If you’re visiting London or are new to ballet, the production is worth seeing as it really was captivating and beautiful to watch, but if you’re a ballet expert and like to take note of the finer details, it might be worth sitting this one out.
Swan Lake is showing at the London Coliseum until 2nd September 2018. Tickets can be purchased online.
Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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