THE RUSSIAN BALLET

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 21

THE RUSSIAN BALLET

SEASON OPENED TO-DAY This evening at 8 o’clock at His Majesty’s Theatre J. C. Williamson Ltd. will present Colonel de Basil’s famons Monte Carlo Russian Ballet in two gala performances of beautiful ballets, comprising ‘ Les Sylphides,’ _ ‘ Scheherazade,’ and ‘ Aurora’s Wedding.’ The orfanisation, which numbers 110 artists, as just terminated a memorable season in Christchurch. Seats in central positions in the dress circle and stalls for this evening’s performance may be reserved at His Majesty’s Theatre. So that intending patrons of seats at 5s may not _ have to stand in a queue this evening, seats at this price may be reserved at the D.I.C. and at His Majesty’s Theatre. Tickets for the pit may be purchased at the Rialto sweet shop. The Russian Ballet has always proved a magnet for playgoers the world over, but, under the guidance of Colonel de Basil, its popularity increased tremendously. His artistic creations have reached a very high standard, and at Covent Garden, London, enthusiastic audiences, which packed the theatre at every performance, testified, to their

beauty and appeal. Under the direc,tion of Colonel de Basil the popularity of the Monte Carlo Russian Ballet has increased year' by year in London, New York, and on the Continent. Such world-wide appreciation is due to the fact that the ballet embraces entertainment that cannot help appealing to eyery section of the public. The opening ballet this afternoon and evening, /Les Sylphides,’ is a romantic reverie, with music by Chopin. _ The principal dancer in this ballet is the magnetic Helene Kirsova. Following this’.' will be the famous ‘ Scheherazade,’ _ based on the story from the Arabian Nights.’ It is danced to Rimsky-Korsakov’s music. A powerful drama, ‘ Scheherazade ’ features the great male dancer, Leon Woisikowsky. This production will bo followed by Aurora’s Wedding,’ one of tho outstanding ballets in the company’s repertoire, with music by Tschaikovsky. Wedding ’ 'will introduce the beautiful ballerina, Valentine Blinova, one of the foremost dancing stars 111 kpndon and Paris. Her partner will be the brilliant dancer, Valentin I 1 roman. In this ballet will also appear the talented Roland GueraH and

his partner, in ‘ The Blue Bird.’ Altogether, 70 of the company will take part in this ballet. The New Zealand tour has proved a series of wonderful triumphs, and, judging by the splendid booking, the Dunedin season will prove as successful as the seasons enjoyed in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The first programme of ballets will be repeated on Monday night, and on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon ‘ Carnaval,’ , with music by Schumann, , ‘ Les Presages, with music by Tschaikovsky and ‘La Boutique Fantasque ’ will he presented. On Wednesday and Thursday nights will he presented ‘ Lo Lac des CygneS,’ ‘The Midnight Sun,’ ‘ Port Said,’ and ‘ Prince Igor.’ The final programme of ballets to bo staged on Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday afternoon of next week will be ‘The Hundred Kisses,’ ‘Le Spectre de la Rose,’ ‘ Souo-la di Ballo,’ and ‘ Le Beau Danube.’ An outstanding feature is the symphony orchestra of 25 imported players.