Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Dracula at the Queen Elizabeth and Royal Theatre
The story of Dracula dates back to the publication of the novel by Irish author Bram Stoker in 1897. But the history of vampires began much earlier, taking part in folklore for centuries.
After the book came out to little attention, it wasn’t until the 1931 film production, starring Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi, that audiences hungered for more Dracula.
The conflicts of the ballet version explore the repulsive and seductive qualities of the vampire. The scientist must dig deep into human being’s dark past in order to try to save the heroine.
With issues such as good vs. evil, the fears of sexually aggressive women at that time, Eastern European immigration, Jack the Ripper murders, evolutionary theory, syphilis, and “decadent dandies,” the show uses symbolism and pleasing aesthetics.
Act I takes place in Lucy Westenra’s estate in England. Her erratic behavior and nightmares have scared the household staff into seeking help from her 3 suitors and Dr. Abraham Van Helsing.
Out come the creepy and hilarious gargoyles, with padded stomachs and backsides. Their movement is finely choreographed by Mark Godden and the dancers inhabit their roles with playful verve.
The second act opens with a 6 minute pantomime taking place in the late 1900’s, when the dancers must try their hands at theater. This fast-paced and funny narrative is a condensed version of the whole Dracula novel.
A modern piece follows with a folksy influence and covers the stage in red. This is where the passion and sexual energy of the story emerge.
As we return to the late 1800’s, a new story of Lucy’s friend Mina Murray begins and the influence of Dracula continues. The fight climax is choreographed elegantly, yet fiercely, until the death of Dracula is finally achieved.
Vanessa Lawson gives a standout performance as the submissive Lucy Westenra. Her elegant execution and visceral presence lends the production a haunting quality so important to the story.
Her costume is exquisitely designed, as are all of Paul Daigle's creations. The “Red Dance” designs in the second act were the most striking of the evening, while the dancers floated across the stage in modern steps inspired by classical dance, folklore and folk dance.
The set design was an incredible show of creativity and talent, using innovation and highly effective ways to give the audience a visual treat at almost moment.
Lucy’s bed in the first act turns into the coffin before we know it and the dancers have effortlessly made the set change that was choreographed into the piece.
The lighting was a standout near the end of the second act, when the suitors begin looking for Dracula with flashlights. Using only that light, the men move around the stage, creating haunting shadows and silhouettes for the dancers that no amount of stage lighting could create.
Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet continues their tour to Victoria at the Royal Theatre this spring.
Remaining performances:
Vancouver- March 24, 2007 at 8:00pm at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Victoria- March 30 & 31, 2007 at 8:00pm at the Royal Theatre
Visit www.balletbc.com for more information and to buy tickets.
