RUSSIAN BALLET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22675, 12 March 1937, Page 14

RUSSIAN BALLET

THIRD PROGRAMME FOUR NUMBERS PRESENTED A DIVERSITY OF MOODS Another amazing presentation of ballet, interpreted in a variety of moods, was given at His Majesty's Theatre last night, when Colonel do Basil's Monte Carlo Russian Company appeared in their third Auckland programme. Opening to Pepita's delicately constructed "Le Lac des Cygnes," the ballet broke into the pagan fury of "Soleil de Nuit," rested awhile in the languor of colourful "Port Said," and ended at a terrific pace in the frenzied, medieval tale, "Prince Igor.'' Beauty and gracefulness were features of "Le Lac des Cygnes," given to the music of Tchaikovsky. This tale of romance and tragedy tells of the love of a prince for the queen of the swans, a pathetic figure who. with her followers, is in reality an enchanted princess. Love is forbidden by an evil genius, however, who sends the swans flying away and bars the prince from following. Lightly executing an intricacy of steps, Helene Kirsova gave a brilliant and charming interpretation as the queen, and was ably partnered by Valentin Froman as the prince. The dances of tho swans, of the little swans, and of tho huntsmen formed attractive and colourful accompaniments.

Impressive Work

Leonide Massine's "Soleil do Nuit," to the music of Eimsky-Korsakoff, was of sterner stuff. Here was a wild tale of primitive Russia, in which a gorgeous assembly hailed tho coming of Yardo, sun-god of ancient times. The piece was short, lor not even the most virile dancer could for long sustain the milling, whirlwind action. To speak of all that was notable in this brilliant ballet would bo to speak of everything. There were the striking costumes of the women under their great headpieces, there was the strange ceremonial that the dancers followed, there was the liveliness of "the jesters and the humour of the "Innocent." And there was the music, the racing, thunderous clamour of drums and cymbals that worked the dancers into a frenzy of movement. Leon Woizikowsky was superb as "The Midnight Sun." Irina Bondireva played the role of "The Snow Maiden" delightfully and there was much buffoonery and droll action in the movements of Thadee Slavinsky as Bobyl, "The Innocent." Glimpse of Port Said

The facility with which the ballet can change its mood was demonstrated by "Port Said," composed by Leon Woizikowsky to Konstantinoff's music. Set in the drabness of a Port Said cafe, it depicted life in a cosmopolitan seaport where all the nations of the world come together. It began on a languorous, oppressive note, broke into riotous colour and action, and dropped back into the same dull monotony. But into the central passage was engendered a constant succession of dances. Oriental, French, Russian and American jazz. Again Woizikowsky showed his skill and again brilliant work was accomplished by Helene Kirsova, Irina Bondireva, Elisabeth Souvorova and others, but possibly the most notable performance was that of the petite Nina Raievska, as the Oriental dancer.

Tho programme ended with the thrilling action of "Prince Igor," composed bv Michel Fokine and given to Borodino's music. Attractively mounted in medieval style it alternated between the gracefulness and beauty of feminine movement and the martial, virile activity of the men. Again the cymbals clashed and the drums resounded as the climax was approached, with the end coming in a blaze of colour and a blare of noise. It was a magnificent rendering. Three figures were outstanding, Woizikowsky once again, this time in the part of the Polovtsien warrior. Nathalie Branitzka, as the woman, and Nina Raievska, as the girl. Every praise must be given, however, to the numerous dancers who assisted in this spirited performance. M. Jascha Horenstein conducts "Soleil de Nuit" and "Prince Igor" and Mr. Ivan Clayton is conductor of "Le Lac des Cygnes" and "Port Said." The programme will be repeated tonight, to-morrow afternoon and tomorrow night.