Magic lifts acrobatic 'Swan Lake'
18/11/2005 10:38
Shanghai Daily news A revised production of the first
acrobatic version of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet "Swan Lake" returns to
Shanghai this week for a nine-day run before it leaves for Russia, the first
stop on an international tour.
After its debut last March, the cast and crew
have been working to perfect the new acrobatic ballet. They wanted to improve
their performance which combines traditional Chinese acrobatics with Western
ballet and their revised version will conclude this year's Shanghai
International Arts Festival tonight.
When it was first presented in Shanghai
by the Guangdong Acrobatic Troupe, one of the leading acrobatic troupes in
China, and the Shanghai City Dance Co eight months ago, the show amazed and
delighted audiences and critics because it had managed to blend successfully
elements of Western classical ballet and Chinese acrobatics while still being
able to tell the story.
Well-known Beijing-based dance director Zhao Ming
says at least 17 modifications have been made to the original
production.
"The biggest difference is that we have cut the performance to
under two hours," Zhao says. "But I haven't taken out complete acrobatic scenes.
On the contrary, I have even added some new scenes to make it more
coherent."
The more compact version stresses the relationship between the
dancers and the acrobats to make the plot clearer and the conflicts more
understandable. The "Four Buffoon Swans" a popular hit at the debut, now appears
in every act and has important transition roles. The four athletic young men not
only come on stage in ballet costumes to add a comedic element but they also
perform a classical pas de deux as "Skating Swans."
Zhao has also cut an
unnecessary interlude and some music.
"More high-tech and magical elements
have been added to the acrobatics and these are sure to be the highlights of the
whole performance," Zhao says.
Magical illusion
Audience members who were
at the show last March will remember the huge black eagle seizing the white swan
in the prelude. In the new version, a magical illusion is used to make the eagle
swooping on the swan disappear. Thousands of floating white feathers will add to
the feeling of tragedy caused by the separation of the prince and the
swan.
"The dancers and acrobats will pay more attention to the artistic
presentation of the whole performance," says Zhao. "After the debut, they now
understand the spirit of 'Swan Lake' better. They are more confident about being
able to present the beauty and artistry of this classical ballet through
acrobatics combined with dancing skills."
Chinese acrobatic techniques have
long been regarded as being the best in the world. However, Zhao says "the plots
(of some Chinese acrobatic shows) are sometimes too banal, lacking imagination
and creativeness, and that may be why Chinese acrobatic shows are not so
attractive to audiences."
"This innovative acrobatic ballet perhaps may serve
as a good example to inspire Chinese artists," he says.
Referring to future
performances of the new acrobatic ballet, Zhao says: "The first stop on our
world tour next year will be the homeland of Tchaikovsky's beloved 'Swan Lake' -
Russia."
That will be a real test of the Chinese version.
Date:
November 18-26, 7:15pm
Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People's
Ave
Tickets: 100-500 yuan
Tel: 6232-8325,
6232-6917
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