David Nixon’s brand new interpretation of the Bram Stoker story has bold imagery, dramatic drive and an impressive atmosphere. It also has masterly tension.
Northern Ballet Theatre’s artistic director gives his personal impression of the story rather than covering all of the narrative detail.
Nixon is intrigued with the contradictions in the story - the attraction of light and the contrasting desire for the comfort of shadows. He makes his Count Dracula more of a romantic victim. He has cast Jimmy Orrante, from his original Ballet Met production, as the Count. Orrante makes Dracula’s cloak a believable extension of his body with wonderfully accurate bat wing movements. Keiko Amemori’s dancing, in the role of Mina Harker, is wild and wilful, particularly when the breathtaking climax builds and explodes. Her final duet with Orrante pulsates with desire and danger.
The Count’s three brides create sexual mayhem. They dance close enough to Dracula to provide a writhing kaleidoscope of passion and wanton lust. A feature of the choreography is how close the small groups often are, sometimes moving as one. The much more sedate Dr Helsing and his gentlemen friends are an example. Nixon’s creativity has a consistent purpose and depth.
This ballet looks and sounds stunning throughoutm with a thrilling blend of gothic costume and medieval architecture. There are moments of exquisite stillness in the music and dramatic stillness on stage. The story is paced superbly.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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