World Premiere of New Swan Lake

16 January 2004.

Following two hugely successful seasons in 2003 and four nominations in this year’s National Dance Awards Leeds-based Northern Ballet Theatre begins its National Tour 2004 with the World Première of a brand new production of Swan Lake - appearing at the Grand Theatre & Opera House, Leeds from 14 – 21 February 2004.

Swan Lake explores the depths of the legendary lake and the mythological swan-like women who reside there. Set in New England at the start of the twentieth century, a time of long lazy summers and old world grace. Here, Anthony a young boy playing by the lake stumbles across a dead swan lying by the body of a young man, an experience that leaves a lasting impression on his mind. Years later and fully-grown, Anthony enjoys his last carefree summer; struggling with his transformation into adulthood, the awakening of new loves and the loss of innocent friendships. As he walks to the lake, withdrawn and melancholic, he is shaken from his thoughts by movements in the water and a curious and beautiful young woman – his fate is now sealed.

Tchaikovsky’s inimitable score never fails to strike at the very core of our emotions and the Northern Ballet Theatre orchestra play a powerful and deft orchestration by John Longstaff, whose recent work includes acclaimed arrangements for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Madame Butterfly. Longstaff uses additional Tchaikovsky music to wring further drama from the piece including the passionate, slow movement from the 5th Symphony.

Having danced in at least seven different versions of Swan Lake throughout his illustrious career Artistic Director David Nixon decided to tackle the production from a new perspective - in keeping with Northern Ballet Theatre’s tradition of blending classical ballet with dramatic story-telling. He explained: “Although I wanted to remain true to the spirit of Swan Lake I also felt it was important to approach the story from a fresh viewpoint and one suited to the size and diversity of our company. Replacing Prince Siegfried with Anthony, a young college boy, allowed me to look at the intimate and often confusing relationships between young adolescents growing up.” Nixon also wanted to explore the idea of the swan myth: “When Anthony encounters and falls in love with Odette, a beautiful swan-like creature, his inner turmoil grows leading to an inevitable and tragic conclusion. To make this story truly believable we never know if Odette is real or just a figment of Anthony’s romantic imagination.”

In his role as production designer, David Nixon has worked with scenic artist Dave Gillan and an array of skilled costume makers, to create a look that is atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful. The sets evoke the refined affluence of leafy New England, while the costumes capture the luxury of the early decades of the twentieth century as fashion started to move away from the Edwardian style and embraced the exotic and colourful hues of Orientalism. Drama Associate, Patricia Doyle, returns to the company to complete David’s talented team.

Please note: The official press night for Swan Lake is on Saturday 14th February at 7.30pm, but we are also offering press seats for Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st performances.

For more information/photography or to arrange interviews contact our Media and PR department via email: media@northernballettheatre.co.uk.