An explosive mixture of classical ballet, mime, physical theatre and, in this case, stomping about in boots, Independent Ballet Wales’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which can be seen at the Torch Theatre this month is the kind of magical show which holds its audiences spellbound throughout one and a half hours of pure delight – earning long and loud applause not only at the end of the performance – but during it as well!Newport-based Independent Ballet Wales (who used to called Cwmni Ballet Gwent )is a predominantly young and forward-thinking group of dancers who use powerful and timeless stories to push back the barriers of classical ballet. However, instead of trying to put on substandard versions of these classics, choreographer Darius James creates completely new pieces especially for his award winning company. Most of the eight dancers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream take two roles, swapping their unitards and ballet shoes for work boots and baggy trousers, and back again. The end result is a fabulous, at times quirky, but utterly breathtaking roller-coaster ride in which every gesture, expression and mannerism contributes towards the telling of the tale. With critically acclaimed costumes by Welsh Designer Yvonne Greenleaf, who incidentally had one of her creations for The Lady of the Lake on display in the Arts Explorer section of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, the production is performed to Mendelssohn's haunting music. Incorporating highly inventive and atmospheric lighting, this is a production which perfectly re-creates Shakespeare’s enchanting world of magic and mayhem where The Queen of the Fairies, Titania, and Puck the mischievous messenger, inhabit the supernatural fairy kingdom. With their unique, unpretentious style this likeable and hard working company tour to more venues than any other, bringing challenging, original classical ballet to Theatres throughout the UK and it’s great to see them back in Milford Haven. They are also running a ballet workshop on stage between 5 and 6pm on the day of the performance – for further details contact the Theatre Box Office. A Midsummer Night’s Dream can be seen at the Torch Theatre on Friday 19 June at 7.30pm. Contact the Torch Box Office on 01646 695267 for tickets, or visit their website at www.torchtheatre.co.uk to make a reservation. |
| Torch Theatre web site: www.torchtheatre.co.uk |
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Saturday, June 6, 2009 |
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