I’ll admit that I chortled at the notion of a Swan Lake adaptation inspired by the love triangle between Prince Charles, Diana and Camilla. But Graeme Murphy’s 2002 interpretation, and the Australian Ballet production, immediately proves itself to be an artistic masterpiece that delights the senses and stirs the collective heart of the audience.
Presented against the breathtaking backdrop of a pastel-infused, Edwardian-style wedding, Act I of Murphy’s reimagining revitalises classic themes of love and lust for the modern ballet stage. Odette (Madeleine Eastoe) dances her way into insanity as she discovers her new husband, Prince Siegfried (Kevin Jackson), is having an affair with the conniving Baroness von Rothbart (Ako Kondo).
After the visual feast of the first act, the sanatorium setting of Act II is jarring, as is the image of a broken Odette rocking back and forth. It is here that an element of traditional ballet creeps into both the choreography and costumes; the swans forming a part of our heroine’s delusions in a beautiful ode to the original Swan Lake story.
Although the character of Odile is markedly absent, her presence can be felt in the decor and decadence of Act III; a melange of black satin, lace and jewels with an overwhelming feeling of excess and sensuality. Here we bear witness to some of the most emotional performances that I have ever seen injected into dance. Both Eastoe and Jackson are a pleasure to watch, particularly in their duets. Their talent and strength are perfectly showcased in their roles, as is their ability to embody the spirits of the pure and fragile Odette and the spoilt but confused Siegfried. Kondo is also mesmerising as the Baroness, her calculating and controlling nature being particularly fun to watch.
I dare say that even lovers of the traditional Swan Lake will find it difficult not to be swept up in the beauty of this production and its gravity-defying performances.
5/5 stars
Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake is playing at the Capitol Theatre until Saturday February 28.
