A spectacular staging of Peter and the Wolf, one of the most delightful and well-loved orchestral works of the 20th century, will be performed at Wales Millennium Centre from 4th – 5th April. The classic story of brave Peter and his pursuit of the hungry wolf, aided by his friends the cat, the bird and the duck is thrillingly brought to life through dance, music and live narration by Brian Blessed.In 1936 Sergei Prokofiev was commissioned to compose an orchestral work that would introduce children to the instruments of a classical orchestra by linking a musical theme to each character in a story. Since the first performance in Moscow, one of Prokofiev’s most celebrated works, Peter and the Wolf has delighted audiences of all ages. The story, based on Prokofiev’s own childhood memories, is a tale of a young boy, Peter, who disobeys his grandfather and tries, with the help of his friends the bird, the duck and the cat, to catch a vicious wolf. Fiona Allan, Arts and Audience Development Director says “Peter & the Wolf was the first classical music I ever heard, when I was just four years old- and it opened up magical doors for me through transfixing storytelling and wonderful musical themes. Children and parents today will be just as enchanted with this special production that fuses the original Prokofiev music and storytelling with dance and a newly composed prequel. Peter & the Wolf remains a fabulous way of introducing both young and older children to high quality music and dance.” The Prokofiev story and music are so universally loved it inspired the show’s director, Anne Geenen, to create a full-length theatrical production. She has composed a simple and subtle story, which introduces these well loved characters. Without overpowering it, the new Act 1 illuminates and enhances the Prokofiev classic. This innovative interpretation, receiving its UK premiere, is narrated by Brian Blessed, choreographed by Didy Veldman, with newly composed score for Act 1 by Philip Feeney and text by Abi Bown. Renowned actor Brian Blessed brings his distinctive voice and charismatic presence to this new interpretation of Peter and the Wolf. Brian has had a long and distinguished career, with starring roles in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet and As You Like It and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. He also portrayed the role of King Richard IV in the first series of Blackadder and Prince Vultan in the cult classic film Flash Gordon. Peter and the Wolf’s central theme of nature is key to Brian’s own personal beliefs, having recently completed a six year term as The President of The Council for National Parks. Brian is also a great supporter of many animal and wildlife charities including the RSPCA and The Born Free Foundation. Award winning choreographer Didy Veldman recently created Cinderella for Goteborg Ballet, Sweden. She has danced with Scapino Ballet, Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, and Rambert Dance Company and has choreographed for Introdans, Northern Ballet Theatre, Rambert Dance Company and Les Grands Ballets Canadien. Philip Feeney recently composed Hamlet for Northern Ballet Theatre and James Son of James for Fabulous Beast Dance Company. He composed the score for Adam Cooper’s Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and for Fabulous Beast’s Giselle and The Bull. His previous collaborations with Didy Veldman have produced Greymatter for Rambert Dance Company and Remember Red for Cullberg Ballet. Abi Bown has worked variously as a theatre designer, illustrator and puppet maker as well as a dramatist. Her play Hey There Boy with The Bebop… won the Arts Council Childrens’ Award in 2004. This exciting mix of international talent will bring to life the story of brave Peter and his pursuit of the hungry wolf in a spectacular production that cannot be missed. Tickets for Peter and the Wolf are £15. To book, call Wales Millennium Centre’s ticket and information line on 08700 40 2000 or visit the website www.wmc.org.uk |
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Saturday, March 1, 2008 |
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