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Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

by Suzanne Yanko 20th October, 2014
by Suzanne Yanko 20th October, 2014

If there were an actual Swan Lake it would be more than a little crowded by now, as the traditional ballet has inspired several standout interpretations yet never lost its own popularity. Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is showing in Melbourne, at the very time the Australian Ballet is making headlines in Los Angeles with Graeme Murphy’s dramatic re-creation of the story.

These two contemporary works make a more interesting comparison than with the “real” Swan Lake – as some persist in calling it, forgetting that there have been many variations on the original production for the Bolshoi Ballet in 1877. The work did not wait even 20 years before being recreated by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov for the Imperial Ballet in a production that is still the starting point for most companies.

Bourne, like Murphy, diverges from the core of the story that told of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. Difficulties are real, families (especially Royals!) are dysfunctional, life can be hell without the need for magicians. But where Murphy’s swans are explained as an escapist fantasy, Bourne’s creations inhabit a world of magic realism, appearing until the shocking ending to present a real alternative to living in a world of difficulty and pain.

One of the strengths of Bourne’s production is that that his world is so well created, a “real” world with characters, household routines, social events and a fair dose of incidental humour. One of the lingering memories of the ballet is of the opening scene at the Palace, where an array of black-clad household staff swing into action, their crisp white gloves accentuating every coordinated move. (It should be noted that the cast includes both men and women, with interesting choreography for all, not just the swans!). The same attention to detail is found in the ball scene, with the women in different black evening dresses and a variety of sub-plots danced out simultaneously, one intersecting with the “swan” story.

On opening night, Jonathan Ollivier was a strong Swan/Stranger (the traditional Odette/Odile role), as much a powerful actor as dancer. Bourne has been quoted as explaining: “The idea of a male swan makes complete sense to me … the strength, the beauty, the enormous wingspan of these creatures suggests to me the musculature of a male dancer more readily than a ballerina in her white tutu.” The love story at the centre of the ballet is between such a swan and the main protagonist – the Prince (danced with great emotional range by Chris Marney). Inevitably, this has led some to dismiss Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake as a “gay ballet”. This misses the point. The ballet is about love, and the absence of love, in many forms – and although the strongest emotional bond being between two men is unusual for the genre, it is all the more powerful for that, and with its own beauty. It would be a hard heart indeed which would not be moved by this core element of the story.

There was much else besides to enjoy: the jazz club, the theatre featuring a hilarious parody of a traditional show (involving, oddly, a woodsman and what appeared to be a collection of insects). The comic character of the ditsy, yet sweet girlfriend (Anjali Mehra) came into its own here as she showed a complete unawareness of proper behaviour, with her mobile phone going off mid-show. The Queen (danced by Stephanie Billers as a cold, forbidding mother if ever there was one) was definitely not amused.

As indicated already, the costumes were great although some elements of the set worked better than others – the royal bed, in particular, proved worthy of its central position. But the dancing was everything, with Tchaikovsky’s glorious music to give the work emotional coherence – even though a live orchestra would of course have supported the dancers more specifically.

Soloists and corps gave a virtually flawless performance but it was the glorious, muscular power of the swans that stole the show – as Bourne no doubt intended it should. One of the year’s performance highlights.

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The picture is from the current production and shows Jonathan Ollivier in the role of Swan/Stranger.

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  • December 2023

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0 events, 27

2 events, 28

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tristan Lee – Between Heart & Head

November 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tristan Lee – Between Heart & Head

Conflicts of human nature unleashed through captivating Romantic piano masterpieces. Embark on a captivating journey as acclaimed pianist Tristan Lee, delves…

$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Wildschut and Brauss

November 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Wildschut and Brauss

Two European stars in the making, and two exquisite soloists – violinist Noa Wildschut and pianist Elisabeth Brauss perform a grand…

$40 – $158

1 event, 29

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LGT Young Soloists

November 29 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LGT Young Soloists

The Young Soloists unites highly talented award-winning young virtuosos from over 20 nations. Among their many groundbreaking successes, Young Soloists are…

$10

3 events, 30

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Syzygy Ensemble – Joy Ride

November 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Syzygy Ensemble – Joy Ride

Don’t we all just want to be happy? In their second series installment Syzygy invites listeners to strap in for an…

$30 – $37
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

November 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

Presented by BK Opera Melbourne independent opera company BK Opera presents Befreit, an opera inspired recital at the Eleventh Hour Theatre in…

$33 – $49
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

November 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

Audience favourite Andrea Lam joins the MSO for Rachmaninov's powerhouse Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Jaime Martín conducts Shostakovich's…

$69 – $135

0 events, 1

5 events, 2

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

December 2 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

Presented by BK Opera Melbourne independent opera company BK Opera presents Befreit, an opera inspired recital at the Eleventh Hour Theatre in…

$33 – $49
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

December 2 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

The Accelerando program provides an opportunity for exceptional young artists to take their music to the next level. A year-long journey,…

Free
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

The programme features music as beautiful as our theme painting*, enhanced by brass and organ accompaniments. The full choir and Chamber…

$25 – $45
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

Audience favourite Andrea Lam joins the MSO for Rachmaninov's powerhouse Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Jaime Martín conducts Shostakovich's…

$69 – $135
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

A Christmas Fanfare: a feast of music for choir and brass Choral masterworks from four centuries and favourite traditional carols Melbourne…

$25 – $45

5 events, 3

Featured 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

Featured December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

World record performance in Melbourne Town Hall The 40th Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Concert “The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra…

$65 – $95
2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

December 3 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

Join with the Heidelberg Choral Society and Orchestra, conducted by Peter Bandy, with soloists Teresa Ingrilli (soprano), Dimity Shepherd (mezzo soprano), Timothy Reynolds (tenor), and Oliver Mann (baritone) to hear Handel at his most brilliant.

$50 – $55
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

December 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

Celebrating our 10th anniversary, Play It Forward presents a joyous, rousing concert of all the greatest rock music classics from Queen…

$32 – $38
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

The Royal Melbourne Hospital 175th Anniversary Gala Concert. Corpus Medicorum finishes their Duality concert series with a giant party! Come and join the…

$30 – $65
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

December 3 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

Join concert pianist Yasmin Rowe for an exciting and evocative program of piano works at Montsalvat.  With a first half of Couperin's…

$35 – $40.00

0 events, 4

1 event, 5

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

December 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

Beauty and elegance meets skill and maturity. Acclaimed Melbourne string quartet Quartz are a confluence of Australian musical talent and world-class…

$30 – $37

1 event, 6

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ossicle Duo & Rubiks Collective – Displaced Bodies

December 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ossicle Duo & Rubiks Collective – Displaced Bodies

Sonic frontiers, stunning projections, chamber music and unconventional instruments. Experience sonic innovation as Displaced Bodies unites two of Melbourne’s cutting-edge ensembles. Ossicle Duo,…

$30 – $37

2 events, 7

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

December 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

Quartets quintets, and sextets… oh my! Shostakovich’s profound Piano Quintet represents a period of writing where the young composer, who was…

$59 – $69
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Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

December 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

Quartets quintets, and sextets… oh my! Shostakovich’s profound Piano Quintet represents a period of writing where the young composer, who was…

$59 – $69

0 events, 8

4 events, 9

2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 9 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

A Christmas Fanfare: a feast of music for choir and brass Choral masterworks from four centuries and favourite traditional carols Melbourne…

$25 – $45
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Mother Goose

December 9 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Mother Goose

Musical fun and entertainment for the whole family, join KIAZMA Piano Duo for an interactive experience. Let the magic of classical music transport…

$30 – $37
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Victoria Chorale: Gloria

December 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Victoria Chorale: Gloria

Victoria Chorale will capture the spirit of Christmas at 5pm on Sat Dec 9 at St Paul's Cathedral. The program includes…

$20 – $60
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Christmas Trees

December 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Christmas Trees

Usher in the festive season with a rare performance of Liszt’s enchanting Christmas Trees. Let the magic of classical music transport…

$30 – $37

1 event, 10

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Australian Boys Choir: Sing of Christmas

December 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Australian Boys Choir: Sing of Christmas

Nicholas Dinopoulos leads nearly 200 singers of the Australian Boys Choral Institute and The Vocal Consort in this unmissable traditional festive…

$34 – $60

0 events, 11

0 events, 12

1 event, 13

6:00 pm - 7:10 pm

Affinity Quartet – Innovators

December 13 @ 6:00 pm - 7:10 pm

Affinity Quartet – Innovators

Affinity Quartet perform revolutionary masterpieces by Haydn and Bartók. Join Affinity Quartet as they perform a program of innovative treasures for…

$30 – $37

0 events, 14

2 events, 15

Featured 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Featured December 15 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Carols in the Cathedral 2023 3 spectacular concerts in St Paul's Cathedral Friday 15 December at 8.30pmSaturday 16 December 2pm  and…

$25.00 – $87.00
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ros Bandt with Alana Blackburn – Sounding Spaces

December 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ros Bandt with Alana Blackburn – Sounding Spaces

A captivating ‘unearthing of sonic archaeologies.’ Immerse yourself in original, spatial-sounding artworks that redefine environments. Join acclaimed sound artist Ros Bandt…

$20 – $25

4 events, 16

Featured 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Featured December 16 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Carols in the Cathedral 2023 3 spectacular concerts in St Paul's Cathedral Friday 15 December at 8.30pmSaturday 16 December 2pm  and…

$25.00 – $87.00
Featured 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Featured December 16 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

Carols in the Cathedral 2023 3 spectacular concerts in St Paul's Cathedral Friday 15 December at 8.30pmSaturday 16 December 2pm  and…

$25.00 – $87.00
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

December 16 @ 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

Noël! Noël! is filled with timeless carols including O Come All Ye Faithful, Stille Nacht and many musical surprises. The much-anticipated annual tradition that is Noël!…

$30 – $185
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

December 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

Noël! Noël! is filled with timeless carols including O Come All Ye Faithful, Stille Nacht and many musical surprises. The much-anticipated annual tradition that is Noël!…

$30 – $185

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0 events, 31

  • There are no events on this day.
November 28
November 28 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tristan Lee – Between Heart & Head

November 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Wildschut and Brauss

November 29
November 29 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LGT Young Soloists

November 30
November 30 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Syzygy Ensemble – Joy Ride

November 30 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

November 30 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

  • There are no events on this day.
December 2
December 2 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Event Series

BK Opera: Befreit – Released

December 2 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Accelerando Recital 2023

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody

December 2 @ 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 3
Featured Featured December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

$65 – $95
December 3 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

December 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

December 3 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

December 3
Featured Featured December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Royal Melbourne Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah 2023

$65 – $95
December 3 @ 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Heidelberg Choral Society: Handel’s Messiah

December 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Rock Choir – Play It Forward 10th Anniversary Concert

December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #4

December 3 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Something Suite – Yasmin Rowe

  • There are no events on this day.
December 5
December 5 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Quartz – Sweet Disposition

December 6
December 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ossicle Duo & Rubiks Collective – Displaced Bodies

December 7
December 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

December 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Event Series

Omega Ensemble – Lionheart

  • There are no events on this day.
December 9
December 9 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm

Melbourne Bach Choir: A Christmas Fanfare

December 9 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Mother Goose

December 9 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Victoria Chorale: Gloria

December 9 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

KIAZMA Piano Duo – Christmas Trees

December 10
December 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Australian Boys Choir: Sing of Christmas

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
December 13
December 13 @ 6:00 pm - 7:10 pm

Affinity Quartet – Innovators

  • There are no events on this day.
December 15
Featured Featured December 15 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

$25.00 – $87.00
December 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Ros Bandt with Alana Blackburn – Sounding Spaces

December 16
Featured Featured December 16 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

$25.00 – $87.00
Featured Featured December 16 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

RMP presents Carols in the Cathedral

$25.00 – $87.00
December 16 @ 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

December 16 @ 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm Event Series

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra: NOËL! NOËL!

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