Review

Festival Ballet’s ‘Up Close’ reaches new heights

By Don Fowler
Posted 3/15/16

I have long been a fan of Festival Ballet’s “Up Close at Hope” series of classical and modern ballet programs.

The formula is simple: Showcase many dancers in a variety of short programs (as …

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Review

Festival Ballet’s ‘Up Close’ reaches new heights

Posted

I have long been a fan of Festival Ballet’s “Up Close at Hope” series of classical and modern ballet programs.

The formula is simple: Showcase many dancers in a variety of short programs (as many as 10) at the dance company’s space on Providence’s East Side. If you do not particularly care for one of the dances, be patient, because there will be many more to enjoy.

Artistic Director Mihailo Djoric changed the formula for Program 2 by offering two dances, each with a storyline, with a short intermission for some wine and food from Chez Pascal and Pizzico, two of their Hope Street neighbors.

The first, “Lady of Camellias,” based on the novel by Alexander Dumas, with music by Franz Schubert, is beautifully choreographed by Gianni di Marco.

Jennifer Ricci and Mindaugas Bauzys demonstrate their incredible skills with great passion and sensuality in the story of a courtesan who falls in love with a handsome young man, much to the displeasure of her father-in-law.

Alas, Marguerite is deathly ill, and the story has a tragic ending.

Although there is a brief synopsis in the program, those who miss it will still be able to follow the tragic story, thanks to the smooth and talented performances by Ricci, Bauzys and the rest of the dancers.

The second offering is “The House of Bernarda Alba,” taken from a play by Federico Garcia Lorca, choreographed by Viktor Plotnikov, with an original score by Sonya Belousova.

It is a story of a domineering, pious mother of five daughters who isolates her family, causing sexual tension and violence, with tragic results.

The choreography is in stark contrast with “Lady of the Camellias,” with sharp, very physical, and occasionally jerky movements.

The dancers perform in front of a screen, where Plotnikov and film director and cinematographer Shaun Clarke and Daniel Jacobs have cleverly meshed the actions on film and the live performances.

While both pieces, like most operas, have tragic endings, the stories are fascinating, unique and professionally danced to perfection.

Last weekend was sold out, so call today for this weekend’s final performances. Tickets are $50. Festival Ballet is located at 825 Hope St. in Providence. Call 353-1129 for reservations.

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