"Le Corsaire"
Ivan Liska, after Marius Petipa
Boston Ballet
Boston Opera House
Through November 6th
Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet opened its season with a dazzling North American Premiere of "Le Corsaire" with Choreography by IVAN LIŠKA, after Marius Petipa. Opening Night held all of the wonder and splendor that one has come to expect from the Boston Opera House and Boston Ballet. The audience boasted some distinguished men in tuxedos, lovely ladies in designer gowns and sumptuous furs, and an electric buzz of anticipation in the air. Then Conductor Jonathan McPhee raised his baton to signal to orchestra to launch into the Overture, and we were off on an adventure at sea and on to Ottoman Empire Turkey.
This Premiere has historical significance, for the choreography is a carefully reconstructed version from the 1899 St. Petersburg production, which was notated using the Stepanov notation method. Doug Fullington carefully researched the original notes, some of which are housed in the Harvard University Theatre Collection. The restored choreography was updated by Ivan Liska and this new production saw its World Premiere in 2007 at the Bavarian State Ballet. Boston Ballet presents this version of "Le Corsaire" in its North American Premiere.
The arc of the story involves Ottoman Turk noblemen, pirates, harems, arranged marriages and liaisons, kidnappings, damsels in need of rescue, double crossings, saber rattling and sabering clashing, and much swashbuckling. The result is a visual delight - the spectacular dancing enhanced by the gorgeous set and costumes by Roger Kirk. Lighting Design is by John Cuff.
The Opening Night cast and Corps de Ballet were performing in perfect synchronization, dancing to a score that is a pastiche of works by Adolphe Adam, Leo Delibes, Cesare Pugni, Riccardo Drigo, and Prinz von Oldenburg.
- As Conrad, the head Corsaire, Lasha Khozashvili was as outstanding as he always is, his athleticism and grace combining to present a character of complexity and intrigue.
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Seo Hye Han as Medora
Lasha Khozashvili as Conrad
"Le Corsaire"
Ivan Liska, after Marius Petipa
Boston Ballet
Boston Opera House
Through November 6th
Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet
|
- Eris Nezha was Birbanto, another Corsaire who eventually becomes Conrad's rival. His dance movements were appropriately menacing as the situation demanded.
- Roddy Doble was regal and officious as Lankedem, a wealthy slave trader.
- Irlan Silva was magnificent as the slave, Ali. I cannot decide what was the more impressive - his soaring leaps or the gentleness of his landings. He alit like an autumn leaf nestling onto a dewy lawn.
- Seo Hye Han was gorgeous and gracious as Medora, the adopted daughter of Lankedem. As she appears on the balcony, she and Conrad see one another and fall instantly in love. Their forbidden love is an important thread in the story.
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Seo Hye Han as Medora
Irlan Silvan as Ali
"Le Corsaire"
Ivan Liska, after Marius Petipa
Boston Ballet
Boston Opera House
Through November 6th
Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet
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- Lia Cirio captivated the audience as Gulnara, one of Lankedem's slaves. Her radiant smile and precise execution of the complex choreography explain why she is a perennial favorite among this company's Principal Dancers. The stunning"pas d'esclave" - a pas de deux between Gulnara and Ali, was a highlight of Act I.
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Lia Cirio as Gulnara
"Le Corsaire"
Ivan Liska, after Marius Petipa
Boston Ballet
Boston Opera House
Through November 6th
Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet
|
- Sabi Varga was a haughty Said Pasha, who purchases Gulnara from Lankedem.
- Dalay Parrondo and Rachele Buriassi danced the roles of two lovers of Birbanto.
- Sam Ainley was the Imam, Thomas Harrison was Muphti, and Elizabeth Olds was Chadidja, Pasha's elder Harem slave.
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| "Jardin Animé" "Le Corsaire" Ivan Liska, after Marius Petipa Boston Ballet Boston Opera House Through November 6th Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet |
Another highlight in Act III was the "pas des Odalisque," which featured the lively and lovely dancing of Maria Baranova, Rachele Buriassi, and Ji Young Chae.
"Le Corsaire" will be presented at the Boston Opera House through November 6th. Move fast to make sure that you are able to secure one of the few remaining tickets to this rare production of a classic ballet.
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