Parramatta Riverside Theatre, August 1
Don Quixote has been an auspicious work for the Australian Ballet since Rudolf Nureyev's version of Marius Petipa's 19th century classic was first added to their repertoire and subsequently filmed in the early 1970s. At that time its lively humour and boisterous energy suited the Australian dancers down to the ground, showing them off to excellent advantage. It is these same qualities which make it such an appropriate vehicle for graduating students of the Australian Ballet School today. This production of Don Quixote was choreographed in 2010 for the Dancers Company by Ai-Gul Gaisina and paired with colourful new sets by Francis Croese and Scott Matthewson. But a nostalgic link to the past has been created by retaining Barry Kay's costume designs from the iconic film.
The leading roles of Basilio and Kitri were performed with great promise by guest artists: Australian Ballet soloist Chengwu Guo and coryphŽe Ako Kondo. Last year's winner of the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award, Chengwu Guo is known for his virtuosic turns and jumps. He did not disappoint with a strong all round performance, but it could have been even more impressive if he had been able to maintain connection with the audience. He projected a sunny, confident disposition throughout his solos but in the pas de deux sequences he appeared slightly tense and so focused on partnering that Basilio's roguish charm took a back seat. Ako Kondo convincingly played a mischievous but sweet-at-heart Kitri and navigated the technical difficulties of her role with an assurance that showed her a rising soloist to watch. She exuded delight and speedy zest in the first act and a serene clarity of movement in Dulcinea's solo in the second act. However, she appeared to be tiring by Act 3 and lacking the energy to finish the performance with the bang it deserved.
Many graduate students stood out in solos throughout Don Quixote. One of these was Sophie Zoricic as the Street Dancer. Admittedly, this is a marvellous role with strikingly memorable choreography. What she brought to it was a seductive charm that came not just from her face but through the movement of her arms and upper body.
Marcus Morelli as the lead Gypsy Boy and Emilio Pavan as the Toreador both led ensembles of young men with verve and confidence while Nicholas Shoesmith as Don Quixote's faithful servant Sancho Panza was very funny, displaying excellent comic and acting skills. He dutifully trotted along behind the vague and eccentric Don Quixote (played by guest artist Steven Heathcote) but really came into his own when upsetting the villagers. As Gamache, Kitri's unwanted suitor, Australian Ballet soloist and guest artist Matthew Donnelly was another comic success. He has really made the role his own by portraying this dandified fool with such vulnerability that he evinces both laughter and sympathy.
-- GERALDINE HIGGINSON
The Dancers Company tour continues on to Tamworth on August 10, Townsville on August 14, Cairns on August 16 and 17 and Toowoomba on August 21. See here