The Imperial Ice Stars return to dazzle once again, writes Diane de Beer
Swan Lake seems to be the production of the year with two ballet seasons already running and coming – and still we’re not finished.
The world’s premier theatrical ice skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, return to South Africa with what they describe as a dynamic new interpretation of their award-winning masterpiece, Swan Lake on Ice.
Don’t dismiss it too easily. The first time I saw these spectacular ballets on ice, I had to swallow my prejudices. It was breathtaking and something quite different – obviously – to classical ballet, yet remained true to the story which gave it that magical, but familiar feel.
This is special festive fare. Opening in December for a limited season at Joburg’s Teatro at Montecasino (a time when Gauteng can be quiet from a theatrical point of view) before moving to Cape Town for a season at Artscape Opera House, the acclaimed production is part of a world tour celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary.
It’s all about the intimate setting of performing in a theatre, even (or especially) if on ice. They cleverly perfected a frozen theatre stage, to present Tchaikovsky’s famous and well-loved score and a production of Swan Lake, one that introduces a new prologue to the classic tale, humanising the legend of a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The show features exhilarating new choreography and some of the world’s most stylish dancing on ice from artistic director Tony Mercer, regarded, according to these publicity sources, as the world’s leading creator of theatre on ice. Having seen a few of their spectacular productions, I will take their word for it.
Mecer spoke about his inspiration and how he adapted and embroidered this latest production: “Inspired by my research into Tchaikovsky’s original score and intentions for the story, I wanted to create a more realistic interpretation of this much-loved tale, with an ending that was more plausible and left no unanswered questions. I also wanted to transpose the story onto ice, creating a new art form in the process – ice dance in a full theatrical setting,” he explains. “I always felt it was a natural fit, to have swans gliding on ice.
“I created our original Swan Lake on Ice in 2006 in a classical style with elements of contemporary ice dance. With this production I’ve significantly re-worked the choreography to incorporate even more contemporary skating manoeuvres, including elements that have never been seen in the world of figure skating before, and challenged our skaters to reach for new heights!”
They have been able to select from the best. The 24 Olympic, World, European and National Championship level skaters, who between them, hold more than 250 competition medals, tell the timeless tale through mind-blowing high-speed leaps and throws – and daring manoeuvres – coupled with graceful and sublime ice dancing.
It is all about what the ice and their skates allow them to do which isn’t possible when on pointes or in ballet shoes. So it is something completely different and for ballet purists, this is an addition not a replacement or competition.
In addition, awe-inspiring acrobatics, aerial gymnastics and spectacular new pyrotechnic effects add drama and mystery to the theatrical experience.
The costumes have also been refined for this new production, with some “dazzling and sophisticated designs from renowned costumier Albina Gabueva of Moscow’s Stanislavsky Theatre, and made by the famous Bolshoi Ballet’s costume cutters”.
These special skaters, all stars in their own right, have fashioned an art of marrying well-loved classical scores with breath-taking choreography and romantic narrative, creating this wonderful, imaginative theatrical experience of ice ballet.
Don’t miss out on this skating spectacle. They will overwhelm and enchant all in the family.
PERFORMANCES
JOBURG: The Teatro at Montecasino – December 3 to January 10:
Tue – Fri at 7.30pm, Sat at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Sun at 2pm and 6pm.
Tickets: R400, R350, R325, R275, R250, R200, R150 and R100.
CAPE TOWN: Artscape Opera – January 14 to January 31:
Tue – Fri at 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Sun at 2pm and 6pm.
Tickets: R400, R350, R325, R275, R250, R200, R175, R150, R125 and R100.