Review: Angelin Preljocaj's Acclaimed Contemporary Ballet SNOW WHITE Mesmerises Sydney Audiences

Wednesday6th June 2018, 7pm, Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney Opera House

First presented in 2008, the Ballet Preljocaj's brilliant expression of the famous Brothers Grimm fairy SNOW WHITE delights Sydney audiences with its blend of classical and contemporary ballet. Set to Gustav Mahler's symphonies, this blending of fabulous fashion from Jean Paul Gaultier and seemingly simple sets by Thierry Leproust merges to give an old story new life.

Staying true to the original 19th century German fairy tale, Angelin Preljocaj delivers a deliciously dark expression of the battle between greed and narcissism and innocence and purity that plays out between the ultimate spiteful stepmother, the wicked queen (Cecilia Torres Morillo) and her stepdaughter Snow White (Verity Jacobsen). The combination of Thierry Leproust's somewhat utilitarian sets and Patrick Riou's lighting effortlessly imply the variety of spaces, from the gold walled grandeur of the King's castle, the danger of the forest, the mystery of the mountainside mines and the sinister queen's chambers, complete with her magic mirror.

Jean Paul Gaultier has drawn on inspiration from throughout the centuries, from the close cloaking of medieval royalty to blouson layers and fitted breeches and contemporary grunge and paired it with his trademark styles from his iconic bondage themes, urban punk expression and deconstructed undergarments. Colour and texture indicate the characters' underlying essence, from the buckled black leather and latex of the evil stepmother who sweeps in with a blood red boardered black bustled overskirt and thigh high boots, in contrast to Snow White's fluid white swathe of cloth with a simple adornment of one shoulder of feathers. Snow White's Prince (Jean-Charles Jousni) stands out from the line of suitors with embroidered orange breeches complete with fluorescent braces whilst the dwarfs are in Brit punk shorts under their climbing harnesses and the deer (Margaux Coucharrière) who's heart is used to trick the queen is presented raw vulnerability with little more than horns and fur pants. The costuming is captivating with a mysterious dangerous sensuality whilst still being tasteful as it works well with Preljocaj's choreography.

Preljocaj has devised a work that has a wonderful balance between classical and contemporary ballet. Precise 'mechanical' movement makes way for sweeping lyrical scenes and intensity is balanced with playfulness. Cecilia Torres Morillo delivers a fierce queen in high heel boots and the queen's final punishment is amusing both in the fall from fashion and the intensity as she conveys the firey footwear. Verity Jacobsen is breathtaking as Snow White, presenting emotion and innocence and an incredible pas de deux with Jean-Charles Jousni's prince where she appears to be thrown around like an incredibly graceful rag doll with her eyes closed. The dwarves' introduction involves inventive aerial work on Thierry Leproust's rockface that is delivered with a delightful playfulness which continues to their interactions with Snow White as they play together.

Ballet Preljocaj's SNOW WHITE is a visually stunning expression of the well loved fairytale. The expression is inventive and the performers connect with the emotion of the story to deliver more than just wonderful technique but a brilliant retelling of a classic story to deliver deeper meaning and a new appreciation of the tale through dance. Whether you love dance, ballet or couture fashion, this is a must see.

SNOW WHITE

6 - 10 June 2018