Few visionaries can produce an experience that delivers both escapism, a surreal interpretation and a theatrical effect that leaves you dazzled. Matthew Bourne is one of them: a modern-day wizard of Oz who isn’t afraid of tackling emotive storylines, weaving vivid imagery parallel to evocative stories of love, death and life, delivered in his unique style, giving the audience a peek behind the forbidden curtain.
Originally based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, this version of The Red Shoes is based on the Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger film from 1948, in which Victoria Page (played by Moira Shearer) is a young, ambitious ballet dancer who joins the renowned Ballet Lermontov. Torn between her art and her love for a young composer and the brutal demands of Boris Lemontov, the company’s director, her choices ultimately lead to her demise.
Bourne’s version is a beautiful, stark retelling. Working with a team of gifted designers and choreographers, the set, lighting and sumptuous colours transport the audience into his vision. The stage set provides a brilliant two-way view from the audience to the stage, and from backstage to the audience.
Many of the dancers are from Bourne’s own New Adventures and Swan School, and they are flawless. The energy of the performances of the company, and in particular the lead dancers – Hannah Kremeras Victoria and Reece Coustonas Boris Lemontov – are beautiful and savage.
Elements of this show were reminiscent of An American In Paris, combined with a smidge of Bourne’s cheeky revelry and naughty sequences on full throttle. If Gene Kelly were alive today and working with Bourne, one can only imagine the incredible partnership that would have resulted. The Red Shoes is a visual assault and perfect escapism; if you haven’t experienced a production by Matthew Bourne, this is a chance to see a true master at work.
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 3 Mar
On until Sat 7 Mar. Tickets: £18-£75. Info: here
words ANTONIA LEVAY
