Following a hugely successful 50th anniversary year, Scottish Ballet opens its 2020/2021 season with a contemporary take on the ballet world’s most iconic title – Swan Lake.
Following a sold-out debut in 2016, David Dawson’s sleek production returns and opens on Thursday 9 April at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, before touring to Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow until Saturday 2 May.
Stylish and stripped-back, this is a classic that is retold for a new generation. Featuring arching backs, spiralling arms and mesmerising patterns – the company dancers are pushed to their physical limits in this tale of purity versus seduction.
The strong, graceful Odette captivates young and lonely Siegfried, their duets are powered by emotional honesty. She flies across the stage towards him, flanked by shifting formations of swans – reflections of her true form. But Siegfried mistakenly betrays his love for the fierce passion of Odile, who whips the air around her into a thrilling physical and psychological frenzy.
A story of light and dark, David Dawson’s daring, visceral choreography is perfectly paired with the rich, romantic Tchaikovsky score, played live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
Talking about Swan Lake, Choreographer David Dawson said:
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with everyone at Scottish Ballet once again on my production of Swan Lake. I am looking forward to beginning a new adventure of discovery together with the wonderful artists of this unique and dynamic company – searching for new layers within the character and theatre of this mythical love story, and finding new ways of questioning the heart, mind and body, to reach a deeper understanding of this work. It is always the purest pleasure for me to be in Scotland – a country that will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Christopher Hampson, CEO / Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, said:
I’m thrilled that we are kicking off our 2020 season with the sensational Swan Lake by David Dawson. We first premiered the production in 2016 when I set David the challenge to take something as classic and iconic as Swan Lake but refresh it so it speaks to our generation. We are excited to have the opportunity to bring it back into our repertoire and refine it. It really shows our company in the best light – both creative and innovative.