BRB 'Swan Lake' reviews Smolen in reviews Helimets in reviews recent BRB reviews

Yep, I saw Sakuma and Sergiu Pobereznic in the matinee. Sakuma was a bit of a relevation. I was right in the front row and she made the most mournful and lovely Odette, and dare I say, a little reminiscent of Rojo. She has really beautiful features and is a great actress. Her Odette was so fragile and convincing, I was wondering if she would have the confidence for Odile. I shouldn't have worried because she was fantastic - seductive and enjoying every minute of the impersonation. It was a bit of a shame that she didn't quite complete the fouettes, finishing a bit early. It did seem to bother her, and she lost that glint in her eye as they finished off the pdd.

Pobereznic was a disappointment. Maybe it was the fact that I was so close, but his make-up (and that of all men incidentally) made his face look like a plastic mask. He didn't project any emotion at all, and though I know it's not completely true, he made Siegfried look like a minor chracter that walks around and partners a bit. I didn't look at him once, devoting all my attention to Sakuma who was far superior. His Act III solo was nicely done, though nothing special. The only time he was convincing was right at the end when Odette threw herself into the lake, where he looked truely anguished.

I also saw Molly Smolen and Tiit Helimets in the evening, and thought they did a great job. Krysztof Nowogrodski as Benno in the matinee made a far better impression on me with bags of personality. Chi Chao in the evening was technically a thrill to watch. I was very underwhelmed by Rothbart though - he looked awfully small. Why not a bit of wingspan? And what's the purpose of removing his helmet/headgear/head? How does that defeat him?

As for the production, I did like it. Yes, I can see how much clearer the dancing is without the fuss of RB's decorations, but it did feel a little empty, cold and austere. I agree, sixteen swans isn't quite enough, and a party isn't a heap of fun when there are only 2 courtesans for the lads. But I guess it can't be helped.

I have some misgivings about Act III though. The fanfares and the character dances for the princesses and their entourage were very repetitive and slowed down the action. I really wanted to enjoy them, but I have to admit I just wanted them to end. And I hated the flame-shaped headresses for the Hungarian(?) women. There was a funny moment in the matinee when the wig of one of Rothbart's men flopped off and hung off the back of his costume. He tried desperately to rescue it a couple times, then just gave up and kept on dancing. And it was very nice to hear the bits of music that were cut out from the RB version.

I wouldn't say I was terribly moved by it, but it's a nice production and the music just swept me away. Full marks to the orchestra who were absolutely fantastic.