Varna International Ballet returns to the UK with a captivating and enchanting performance of Tchaikovsky's tragic romance Swan Lake.
The huge Edwardian auditorium of the New Wimbledon Theatre seemed fitting for its London leg and was almost full, which is quite a feat given that it has a capacity of more than 1,500.
In the opening scene we're introduced to Prince Siegfried (Vittorio Scolè) reading a book, the story of how Odette (Martina Prefetto) was cursed and turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart (Giovanni Pompei), while it simultaneously plays as video on a screen behind him for the audience, and so it begins.
There's then a party in full swing for the prince but the revelries are interrupted by his mother, the Queen (Roberta Estrella Marques), who is concerned about his carefree lifestyle. She informs him that he must choose a bride at the upcoming royal ball. Later, he goes to the lake with friend Benno (Giacomo Ammazzini), the pair get separated and this is where we first see the swan accompanied by her swan maidens. They glide in perfect formation across the set with captivating precision and it's here that the prince sees one of the swans transform into a human, Odette, and he falls in love. She explains the curse and by the morning she transforms back to being a swan.
Back at the palace, the prince is introduced to suitors at the ball. Unbeknownst to him, Rothbart comes in disguise with his daughter Odile (Mara Salvaggio) who is made to look exactly like Odette. She flutters with emotional intensity as she dances around him, seducing and tempting him. He's fooled into believing it is actually Odette until he realises it's not.
Tchaikovsky's original version of Swan Lake is a tragedy, where both Odette and Siegfried die. But over the years there have been many variations to the ending and Varna's version is no exception. This potential tragedy turns into an auspicious ending as Rothbart dies under the moon-lit lake during a storm and the curse is lifted leaving the lovers to live happily ever after, with the audience celebrating their success.
The intensity of this performance is both eclectic and electric. The story is told with elegance and grace as the performers move around the stage, using every inch of it. And you don't have to be a ballet expert to follow the plot. Their bodily movements and facial expressions add to the storytelling.
The set is as basic as could be, but you're not there for that, it's the magic of the dancers you're there for and they don't disappoint. The synchronicity as well as the solo performances were on whole quite mesmerising.
Just like the plot and choreography help tell the story, so do the costumes - they're distinct and unique especially those worn for the palace events, adding a real regal edge on stage.
And then there's the live orchestra, in tune with the dancers from start to finish - a true ode to and a celebration of Tchaikovsky's original work. Here Varna's orchestra shows off the composer's talent, as well as their own, as they successfully imitate his varied and symphonic flair.
The show is two hours and 20 minutes which includes an interval. It might sound long, but when you're transfixed on the story, movement, precision, choreography and costumes, you lose all concept of time.
Varna is taking Swan Lake around the UK on tour. It's on in various locations until March 4.
Review: Sunita Jaswal