Search - Jean-Christophe Maillot - Romeo et Juliette / St. Petersburg Kirov Orchestra on DVD

Amazing, but...

William D. Larson | 05/04/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing, but...

First, the amazing parts: 1), Truly creative concept. Maillot takes a totally fresh look at this ballet and does wonders with it. In his concept the title could more aptly be "Juliette and the Friar", as those two do the most dancing and the Friar plays the role, in essence, of an oracular chorus who foresees the developing tragedy and makes an attempt (in a puppet show--superb) to warn the principals. The oracle/chorus provides a fine unifying thread. 2), Excellent choreography. When you're onstage here, you're dancing--no sitting around and watching. His dancers must enjoy dancing in his works. Creative throughout. 3), Magnificent details. I've already alluded to the puppet show, so superbly choreographed to the "Dance with Mandolins" that it far overshadows any other choreography I've seen for this dance. In addition, there is the interesting "subplot" involving Lady Capulet, who at the start of the ballet is quite apparently in mourning over the death of Lord C, but at the same time seems like she has, or might have, the hots for Tybalt, who we might well infer had something to do with Lord C's demise. Many other fine details as well. 4), Gorgeous dancers. Enough said. I could go on here, but now for the

But... 1), Coppieters as Juliette. Great dancer, for sure. But as Juliette? Even in this sexed-up production? BC is certainly the most masculine-looking Juliette you (or I) will ever encounter, what with her "cut" body and short hair. Now if Maillot had made Romeo more feminine, then we might have something here, but he didn't. Very hard to get used to, and I confess that I have not. 2), Romeo's choreography and costuming. In this ballet one almost doesn't notice Romeo (!), as his role is not choreographically emphasized and, to drive the last nail into the coffin, he is costumed in white against a white background. What were they thinking? In sum, I never got the feeling of any real chemistry between R and J--more's the pity.

My over-all experience of this production is one of awe but not love. Great feast for the eye and the mind, but not for the heart and the soul. If you want heart and soul in a creative new take on this ballet, I heartily (no pun intended) recommend Preljocaj with the Lyon Opera Ballet."