Coppelia

Coppelia (3.5/5)

The Australian Ballet
Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House
22nd May 2010


(Coppelia: Eloise Fryer, Swanilda: Gina Brescianini, Franz: Ty King-Wall, Dr Coppelius: Matthew Donnelly)


A traditional ballet delivered with light dexterity by TAB. The tale of a mysterious doctor and his mechanical "daughter" is undemanding - the characters and story are sufficient without being demanding of cast or audience; the doctor's toy workshop a nicely set scary house with touches of humour. By the end of Act 2 the story is told, leaving the dances free to show off their classical skills in the village square throughout Act 3, which is the real delight of this ballet.

King Lear

King Lear (4.0/5)

Bell Shakespeare

Playhouse, QPAC

20th May 2010

(Director: Marion Pottts. King Lear: John Bell, Goneril: Jane Montgomery Griffiths, Regan: Leah Purcell, Cordelia: Susan Prior, Edgar: Josh McConville, Musician Bree van Reyk)

Bell's Lear is sad and human, his madness more impulsive then psychotic, his revelation drawn from the sad wisdom of age rather sudden conversion. A well-balanced cast ensures no hand is over-played, a simple set gives the actors room to work. Clever use of live percussion adds depth to the dark atmosphere with improvisation from stage right. A rewarding production that treads lightly on barbarism and allows room for contemplation of family discord.

Mortal Engine

Mortal Engine (3.5/5)
Chunky Move
Sydney Theatre
8th May 2010
(Choreography: Gideon Obarzanek)

Disturbing in its portrayal of passion and violence in an Outer Limits dangerously different way. A substantial development on the solo work "Glow"; Mortal Engine takes the real-time interaction of movement, light & sound to a new artistic level. More engrossing than fun, an audacious leap for contemporary choreography that should not be missed.

The Silver Rose

The Silver Rose (1.5/5)

The Australian Ballet

Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House

24^th April 2010

(Choreography: Graeme Murphy. Marschallin: Rachel Rawlins, Octavian: Daniel Gaudiello, Baron Ochs: Robert Curran Sophie: Leanne Stojmenov)

Uninspiring choreography, limited characterisation, a score without a theme - a low point for TAB and Graeme Murphy. A flirtatious story offers plenty of scope for passionate dance, a variety of characters and delicious music. Instead the choreograph lacks flair and challenge, the dancers scratch the surface of their roles with only cheap laughs to play for and the music is just dull. One to miss.