I mentioned a couple of posts back that Pauline and I went along to the opening night of West Australian Ballet’s latest production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday evening. His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth is such a wonderful venue and our seats were only about 6 rows from the stage providing a very good view of the performance.
Choreographer Chrissie Parrott did a tremendous job of using dance, staging and technology to breathe new life into Shakespeare’s classic tale. Her use of humour in the telling of the story was quite astounding. I had the great privilege of chatting to Chrissie on-air during my morning radio programme on 98.5 Sonshine FM yesterday.
The dancers were magnificent. They made moves that would be impossible for most of us mere mortals look effortless.
Now I suppose that I should admit that I’m not really an expert on ballet and that I’ve only ever been to ballet performances a handful of times. It’s just not my thing. Having said that, I do enjoy widening my horizons and I don’t mind an occasional evening witnessing the skills and grace of these amazing athletes.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream was preceded by the Don Quixote Suite which was performed in a more traditional style.
The evening was tinged with sadness. Just moments before the dancers were set to take to the stage, news came through that musical director, Dobbs Franks, had been involved in a serious car accident. He is still in a critical but stable condition in hospital. Due to his absence the West Australian Symphony Orchestra was unable to accompany the dancers. Both performances utilised CD soundtracks.
Afterwards we were guests at the opening night soiree at the Hilton Hotel. It was a black tie event which drew many local VIPs and featured a live jazz band. The gathering had opportunity to thank all those who had worked so hard to bring the ballets to an appreciative Perth audience.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Technorati Tags: Ballet – A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Sonshine FM
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Hi Rodney,
Nothing whatsoever to do with your entry, but just had to mention that last night at home I was browsing through the Fremantle Herald and noticed that Pauline Olsen of Morley had won a couple of CDs. (They’re available from the Herald’s office in Cliff Street, by the way.) Hope you both enjoy them.
hb
Very good. Thanks Hazelblackberry. I’ll have to find out what they are. 🙂
Oh, I wish I had been there. Sounds like something I’d love (except for dressing up in the fancy clothes.)