The State Ballet of Georgia's UK premiere of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake runs at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run until 8 September 2024.
This is the first time in its 175-year history, that State Ballet of Georgia has staged its full-length classic production of the ballet in London.
And what an occasion for anyone who appreciates theatre at its absolute finest – be it ballet or any other genre
https://londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/swan-lake-state-ballet-of-georgia/
The company, which is based in the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater in the Georgian capital, is among the world's top classical companies.
And my goodness, does it deliver in this lavish production of one of the most well-known and much loved of ballets.
State Ballet of Georgia's Swan Lake presents us with a company of 70, grand sets, lavish costumes to an accompaniment by the wonderful English National Opera Orchestra.
Swan Lake
Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875-76, Swan Lake has soaring themes that enable the beauty and intricate complexity to be both appreciated and understood.
State Ballet of Georgia's triumphant portrayal offers joyous celebration layered with great emotional depth
It has Prince Siegfried falling in love with Odette, a princess, who has been turned into a swan by evil sorcerer Rothbart and is now one of a flock of beautiful swan maidens.
Freeing her from the sorcerer's spell demands a man, who has never loved before, swearing his love to her.
Siegfried falls in love with Odette, but tricked by the evil Rothbart, vows his love instead to the sorcerer's own daughter Odile.
Odette is therefore seemingly consigned to a life as a swan and Sigfried is devastated by his having imposed this upon her.
The power of true love, of course can conquer all and so it does as Odette and Sigfried find happiness together.
State Ballet of Georgia's Swan Lake is a traditional production, in the very best sense of the word.
And while the two palace scenes are vibrant and grandiose, it is the stunning, poignant serenity of the two moonlit lakeside scenes that genuinely tug at the heartstrings.
They are mesmerising, with the Ballet de Corp creating a stirring and very affecting representation of the swan by moonlight.
Needless to say, the company's principal dancers, who alternate the lead roles, are superb.
As someone who has grown up on musical theatre, classical ballet does not automatically come to the fore.
But State Ballet of Georgia's Swan Lake was sumptuous, enchanting and captivating in equal measure and a truly memorable theatrical experience.
It will greatly reward those who are ballet aficionado's or coming to it it for the first time.
The English National Opera Orchestra
The English National Opera Orchestra is the resident orchestra for the English National Opera, based at the London Coliseum.
https://www.eno.org/about/eno-orchestra/
The London Coliseum
The London Coliseum, in St Martin's Lane, was one of London's largest and most luxurious family variety theatres when it opened in1904 as the London Coliseum Theatre of Varieties.
As such it has a rich history of staging musicals, operas, ballets, plays, and variety shows.
Since 1968, it has been the home of the English National Opera and English National Ballet.
Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater
State Ballet of Georgia is based in the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, in the Georgia capital.
Built in the 1850s, is seen as a masterpiece of architecture with its blending of classical and neo-Moorish styles.
The theater stages an annual repertoire of operas and ballets and also showcases the Georgia's history and traditions through productions inspired by its folklore.
Georgia
The former Soviet republic of Georgia is located where Europe and Asia meets, and offers Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches.
The country a popular tourist destination, known for historic cities like Tbilisi, known for the architecture and cobblestone streets of its old town and its culture.
https://visitgeorgia.ge/why-you-should-visit-georgia/tbilisi/
Swan Lake is at the London Coliseum until 8 September 2024.
https://londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/swan-lake-state-ballet-of-georgia/
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