REVIEW
Stravinsky Selection
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Napier Municipal Theatre
May 31, June 1
Reviewed by Tania McCauley
Intense. That's the first word that comes to mind when I think of Milagros, the opening dance of this special triple bill homage to renowned composer Igor Stravinsky.
The reprisal of Javier de Frutos' spellbinding work, premiered by
the RNZB in 2003, was just as spellbinding the second time round with its jarring, almost violent at times choreography, set to Igor Stravinsky's startling Rite of Spring.
Some of the dancers, in particular Abigail Boyle, Lucy Balfour and Brendan Bradshaw, looked like they really were experiencing what inspired de Frutos when he choreographed it - the desperation, the frenzy, and the sacrifice.
Satisfied with Great Success, Cameron McMillan's new work, was just as emotional, but in a different way. Using footage of Stravinsky was a clever way to introduce and end the dance, a series of solo, duet and group scenes which gelled wonderfully with the music.
The evening finished with the classic Petrouchka, a richly coloured tapestry of dance, with memorable moments from the street dancers, wonderfully athletic grooms and head coachman, and elegant and graceful nursemaids.
Medhi Angot played the pathetic Petrouchka to the hilt, a stark contrast to Qi Huan as the bold Moor, and Tonia Looker's empty-headed Ballerina. And commanding attention each time he strode the stage, Sir Jon Trimmer as the puppet master.
They may have been three very different pieces of dance, but they were as unforgettable as the music itself.
