The Sleeping Beauty - Australian Ballet Company - Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House - 05/12/05

Ethan Switch - Wednesday, 7 December 2005 - Print Version

Of shadowy machinations and motives, witnesses to the triumph of love in the darkness of jealously and spite, The Sleeping Beauty is an almost gothic affair. Complete, undeniably, with romantic trimmings and an at times whimsical and soothing orchestral soundtrack.

Mystic and magically enthralling, the opening act is an otherwise sensual load of fear, of doubt and cunning. A stark contrast with the more humorous and fanciful elements between. The second act bathes the stage, the dancers and every inch of the Opera Theatre in a glow of sunshine and pure happiness.

Brooding motives, delightful movements, blissful sweetness and a cunning delivery of fun, the closing act nearly topples from the abundance of attention, production and ceremony.

Choreography is sublime. The grace and poise are unmistakable in the air, electric with confidence and cool. Elements of seriousness play alongside the lighter, more jovial acts. A blend mixing constantly to each other's strengths.

Costumes are either ornately intricate or effectively economical. In both cases, they still bleed the body beautiful and manage to carry with them an extreme sense of magic and wonder. Trolls, goblins, fairies, their wear is stunning. Giant rats, with such fine attire and undeniably cute faces, hold a suspicious look about them. The trolls and goblins mix a sense of curious mirth and spooky direction.

Stage production is a lavish affair. Sets drip and drape themselves in a rich splendour of pomposity, of elegance and class that they alone command as much time and respect as the dancers themselves. Strong primary hues define a baseline of overall emotion to each act. Delivery is significant, the colours red, yellow and blue effortlessly adding another layer, hidden away from the foreground while underscoring the season and theme.

Promising much and delivering more, The Sleeping Beauty is as beautiful and as enchanting any fairytale hiding a hint of evil just below the surface.

Ethan Switch