“Swan Lake” is arguably the most popular and most performed ballet in the world. This therefore presents a challenge to any choreographer who wishes to breathe new life into the one hundred and thirty-two year old classic, yet David Nixon’s Northern Ballet Theatre manages this with his new and exciting production of the ballet.

The action is moved from Imperial Eastern Europe to New England in 1912, and tells the story of Anthony who as a child when out swimming with his brother Steven, accidently lets him drown in a nearby lake. Forever haunted by what happened to his brother on that fateful day Anthony returns to the lake time and time again, until one day he glimpses in the water a world of swans, led by the beautiful Odette.

Months pass, and Anthony finds himself growing closer to his friend Simon, who has now come to replace Steven. The time of Anthony’s coming of age birthday party arrives and it is at this party he sees the beautiful Odilia, whose beauty immediately transports him back to Odette and her swans. The lake continues to haunt him, the guilt destroying Anthony and his relationship with Simon and Odilia.

Nixon gives his own stamp to the ballet by changing the setting and story. He also uses his own unique brand of choreography which works particularly well in this production. More traditional ballet companies would simply focus on the dancing, letting the story get lost in a sea of badly painted backcloths, mime acting and too many tutus. Yet Nixon places just as much emphasis on the narrative as on the dancing, in fact some of the company’s other productions have included having dancers sing and say lines on stage as well as dance.

A particularly clever piece of choreography is the use of bicycles and a football in an early scene where the young boys have just finished college. The use of these simple props give a better sense of realism to the piece and actually make you forget you’re watching a ballet at times. This said, Nixon is also respectful to Petipa’s and Ivanov’s original choreography of the piece and keeps most of the swan scenes identical to how they are more traditionally staged.

The entire company produce a wonderful performance, but particular note should go Kenneth Tindall and Keiko Amemori as Anthony and Odette who keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. It is also worth mentioning Dave Gillan’s set which evokes early twentieth century America perfectly, whilst still giving the flexibility and space for the dancers. And not forgetting Tchaikovshy’s beautiful music, which is sensitively arranged by John Longstaff.

All in all, a brilliant production that will make you see this classic ballet with new eyes!

Listings:

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

17 to 19 Mar

Tues – Thur eves 7:30pm

Thu mat 2:30pm (19 Mar)

Tickets: £10 - £30

Box Office: 0131 529 6000

www.eft.co.uk

Then touring until 26 March