Hooked on ClassicsMoira de Swardt11/20/2006 10:51:40 
Copyright Artslink.co.za © 1997-2007 Hooked on Classics It is quite a challenge to put an interesting compilation programme together, all the more so for a company as small as the Ballet Theatre Afrikan. I enjoyed last year`s production of "Hooked on Classics" at the then very new theatre of the University of Johannesburg so it was with much anticipation that I looked forward to this year`s offering. In the first half we were treated to the ten minute Grand pas Classique from "La Bayadere", one of the "good old fashioned" classical highlights danced by most principal dancers, in this case Yolandi Olckers and Thoriso Magongwa, at some stage in their careers. The golden yellow costumes and soulful, precise dancing were both stunning. This was followed by the very short dance of the Lilac Fairy from "Sleeping Beauty" by Kitty Phetla. The tutu was beautiful, and Phetla`s dancing is not to be faulted. However, Phetla`s distinctive Junoesque shape, (she`s a tall, elegant, woman, sturdily built) is not suited to the role of a fairy, not even when she`s alone on stage. Andile Ndlovu, only eighteen years old, has won various dance awards through the year, including that of over-all winner of the National Eisteddfod in all categories, all ages. He delighted me with his rendition of "Le Corsaire" (The Pirate) which he danced with Carmen Harris. His elevations are superb and apparently effortless and he certainly makes Harris look good. I looked back at last year`s programme and saw that these two have been dancing together for a while, and it is the improvement made in the last year which is so remarkable. Bathembu Myria soloed as Gopack and the first half ended with the delightful wedding dance (pas de six) from Markitenka. This is not a well-known piece in the South African repertoire, although it is a universally often used in compilation ballets. It is strictly classical in style and it pleased me very much. The costumes, on loan from the South African Ballet Theatre, were wonderful and added to the delicate beauty of this little cameo. Ballet Theatre Afrikan has a new ballet master and repititeur, a Russian, Alexei Ilin. His influence on the work of these dancers has been amazing. The precision with which the couples and ensembles are working is impressive. Limbs are held at like angles and moved at identical speeds. The technical effects are pleasant to watch. In the second half we were treated to Mark Hawkins` "A Midsummer Night`s Dream", a one-act ballet to the Mendelssohn score of the same name. However this has some of the original Shakespeare story (the play within the play with actors Garth Anderson, Tessa Jubber and Alastair Coldwell) going on at the same time which adds the humour and the purpose behind the story. The sets by Andrew Botha are both simple and cheap but very clever, making use of fairy lights, bubble wrap and black garbage bags. The costumes, also by Andrew Botha were practical, attractive and unusual. Oberon was danced by Kagiso Mabe, Titania by Yolandi Olckers, and Puck by Thoriso Magongwa. The role of Puck is perfectly suited to Thoriso Magongwa`s talents and it was here that he shone most. Kitty Phetla danced the role of Helena as a comic character role and she did a really good job of it, adding to the visual humour and delight that the ballet evokes. A very pleasant evening. Picture: No Submitted by Moira de Swardt PR Company: Freelance Entertainment Journalist Telephone Number: 011 482 7320 Cellphone Number: 082 553 2457 Artslink.co.za wants your voice to be heard! Artslink.co.za is inviting everyone and anyone who has something to say about the arts, to say it on South Africa`s biggest and most comprehensive arts, culture and entertainment website. For guidelines and to make submissions go to www.artslink.co.za/artspoken.htm. |
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