Monday, February 01, 2016
Review: S. African choreographer's 'Swan Lake' makes bold statements through wit, movement
TribLIVE.com: Young South African choreographer Dada Masilo uses elements of one of the classics of Romantic era ballet, “Swan Lake,” as a springboard for a provocative and rewarding examination of issues of contemporary life. It was presented Jan. 30 by Pittsburgh Dance Council at the Byham Theater, Downtown.
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2 comments:
I wish I could have seen this performance. It sounds like an elegantly-done commentary using existing iconography and a familiar ballet as a backdrop without just cheaply pulling off bits and pieces that fit the message. The problem I have with most works like this is that they don't try to tell their own story, but just leech off the stories that other people already know. This piece sounds like it blends the existing fabric of Swan Lake with the director's own story and vision. Of course, without seeing it myself I'll never know how accurate this glowing review is. However, from the facts presented in the article it sounds like it was compelling, relevant, and smoothly done. I think setting it in South Africa but keeping the names of the characters the same is a small cross-section of evidence that shows how it is both unique and drawing on a familiar story: the choreographer put herself into the work without changing it completely.
This sounds like a really cool production, though it sounds so different from Swan Lake I wonder if it is still Swan Lake or if it has become a ballet of its own. I haven’t seen any production of Swan Lake, so I really can’t say. I also wonder how clearly the message reads, based on this article it sounds like to would be clear to an audience, but the article is explaining the meaning behind the actions. My understanding of ballet, which is minimal, is that it is typically very traditional, and any given ballet is performed fairly consistently regardless of the choreographer and artistic team, so the idea of a ballet being used to communicate a message is interesting. I wish I knew about this production before it happened. I would’ve gone. I guess I should keep a better eye on what theater is going to be happening in the area.
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