THE RUSSIAN BALLET

Evening Star, Issue 22630, 23 April 1937, Page 13

THE RUSSIAN BALLET

SEASON OPENS TO-MORROW ' Although the booking for Colonel Ae Basil’s Monte Carlo Russian Ballet, ■which is to be presented by J. C. Williamson Ltd,, tor a season of seven nights at His Majesty’s Theatre, beginning to-morrow afternoon, probably constitutes a record for a theatrical attraction in Dunedin, it is, however, so evenly distributed over the entire season that seats in central positions in the dress circle and stalls may still bo selected at the D.I.C. for the two opening gala performances and for subsequent occasions. In order that intending patrons of the seats priced at 5s may not have to stand in a queue tomorrow afternoon and evening, seats at that price may be reserved at the D.I.C. from 2 o’clock this afternoon.

Tickets at 3s may be purchased to-mor-row morning at the Rialto Tea Rooms “Dressed and gowned for the occa--1 sion as it had not been for many years,’’ wrote a critic, “ Auckland was there m masse at His Majesty’s Theatre last night to welcome the first appear- . ance in the land of the famous Monte' Carlo Russian Ballet “ The Russian. Ballet...came and.: showed and conquered. Patrons by and large had the appearance of passengers about to undertake a /first aeroplane trip. They were troubled .byconflicting reports of first sensations.- -Mingled with the ecstasy were vague references to the classical that they might not like as entertainment, but these fears were quickly dispelled, because the performances cannot failito .appeal to every section of, any community. Classical enough in all’ conscience were the -music and opening ballet, ‘ Les Sylphides,’ consisting of Chopin prelude, nocturne, valse, and mazurka hy the orchestra, translated by the ballet into still, statuesque stage groupings and- dreamy dances. The gloriously controlled and balanced orchestration gave instant' universal appeal to the delicate melody of Chopin’-s music; the classic dancing features mentioned were but a means towards the ' end of giving _ point and delicacy to a visual translation of the music to poetic romantic motion. Classical enough, but the audience found they liked it. and they rose tp it, enthusiastically. The East#n dance drama, ‘ Scheherazade,’ a story .of -infidelity in a harem and - ruthless reprisal by the sultan, fastened the spell of the ballet upon the patrons, who were.thrilled and fascinated by the wild music, the gorgeous setting and costumes, and the wonderful dancing and acting of Leon Woizikowsky. The third ballet, ‘ Aurora’s Wedding,’ from ‘The Sleeping Beauty ’ has Tscnaikowsky music and strikingly beautiful costumes and setting, but more than either of the other ballets it illustrated the wonderful strength of talent which has made the' Monte Carlo Ballet famous all over the world. Unquestionably the Russian Ballet, in its entertaining 'melody, pagentry ( and allegory, quite apart from its immense aggregation of talent, made a general appeal; which assures a highly euc- - cessful season.”