The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine presents Forest Song & Don Quixote Review
The company was founded in 2014 by Oliksandr Stoianov and now tours the world. With recent tours through Europe, USA and this year Australia and New Zealand. The company devotes itself to raising awareness and some charitable acts/events supporting the Ukrainian war effort.
The two acts were vastly different. Don Quixote is a ballet most ballet fans would have seen. It was the first time Forest song was performed outside of Ukraine. This 75 year old ballet tells the tale of love between a forest created by Mavka and a common man Lukash. The young man betrays her, marries another and they all live unhappily ever after.
Forrest Song was at times difficult to follow story-wise, so the audio narration throughout was much appreciated. It was special to witness some Ukrainian Choreography and folk tales. The ballet is set throughout four different seasons which showcases many different costumes and Ukrainian folk dancing.
Act two presented two scenes of Don Quixote, a Spanish ballet that can be described as passionate and festive. It tells the story of a man’s quest for love. Kitri is played by Japanese Ballerina Mie Nagasawa, who was sensational with the fast steps required for this ballet & playfulness the character required. There was a strong partnership between Tomashek and Nagasawa, with impressive lifts. This included a one handed lift where she is suspended well above his head.
As an avid fan of the Australian Ballet, I came with high expectations. The dancing from a technical perspective wasn’t at the level of the Australian ballet. This was particularly noticed with the corps de ballet members. However it was refreshing to witness a new ballet not seen before on Australian stages. This company is also in its infancy compared to Australian Ballet’s 60 year history.
Final Thoughts?
The performance concluded with the company requesting audience members to stand as the Ukrainian national anthem was sung. A strong reminder of the adversity the nation has been facing for 10 years & the hopeful message “ we will rebuild our cities”.
About The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine- Forest Song & Don Quixote)
Act One – Forest Song
This legendary ballet, which for over 75 years remains not only the pride of Ukraine, but also of world choreography and cultural heritage. Forest Song is based on the Ukrainian folk story with music by Ukrainian composer Mikhail Skorulskyi, who created an anthem for wildlife, nature and true love, to which the main characters aspire. Forest Song is a magical love story, full of mysticism alongside the conflict between the human world and nature. It tells a tale of love between a fantastical forest creature Mavka and a man, Lukash. The story is of the fearless and brave Mavka, who longs for peace in her world, just as Ukraine longs for peace in her country today. The ballet is filled with complex duets, fouettés and incredible choreographic pieces. The costumes have been designed by famous Ukrainian fashion designer Malva Verbitskaya, who has created the stage costumes for “Forest Song”.
Acts Two & Three Don Quixote
This flamboyant and festive Spanish ballet is a much-loved romantic comedy. It tells the story of a courageous but troubled man’s quest for love. Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza set off on an adventure together hoping to achieve great feats and bring glory to his name. Gypsies, bullfighters, lavish costumes, breathtaking dancers, and an inspiring music score ensure that Don Quixote is a not-to-be-missed experience. The Principal Soloists are Viktor Tomashek, the recipient of the prestigious Laureate Award and the only non-Ukrainian member of the company, Japanese-born Mie Nagasawa from Japan. Mie who was dancing with the Grand Kyiv Ballet when war broke out in Ukraine. This brilliant and brave elite dancer now tours the world with them.
About The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine
The Grand Kyiv Ballet was founded in 2014 by Artistic Director Oleksandr Stoianov, previously a principal dancer with the National Opera of Ukraine for a decade. Since the outbreak of war in 2022, the Grand Kyiv Ballet has continued to bring its outstanding performance to audiences around the world, including the USA, France, Sweden, Norway, Poland, China, Scandinavia, and South America. The Ballet has also showcased charity tours to raise awareness and support for their country.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine Tour Dates
- Saturday 4th May, 2024 – EMPIRE THEATRE, TOOWOOMBA QLD – 7.30pm – Bookings: 1300 655 299
- Sunday 5th May, 2024 – THE STAR, GOLD COAST QLD – 5.00pm- Bookings: (07) 5592 8130
- Monday 6th May, 2024 – QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE CONCERT HALL, BRISBANE QLD – Bookings: Ticketek 131 246
- Tuesday 7th May, 2024 – QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE CONCERT HALL, BRISBANE QLD – Bookings: Ticketek 131 246
- Saturday 11th May, 2024 – WREST POINT CASINO SHOWROOM, HOBART TAS – Bookings: 1800 030 611
- Sunday 12th May, 2024 – THEATRE NORTH PRINCESS THEATRE, LAUNCESTON TAS – Bookings: (03) 6331 0052
- Tuesday 14th May, 2024 – THE PLAYHOUSE GEELONG ARTS CENTRE VIC – Bookings: 1300 251 200
- Wednesday 15th May, 2024 – FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE VIC – Bookings: (03) 9784 1060
- Thursday 16th May, 2024 – PALAIS THEATRE, ST KILDA VIC – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 446 925
- Saturday 18th May, 2024 – STATE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW – 8.00pm – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 139 588
- Sunday 19th May, 2024 – STATE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW – 2.00pm – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 139 588
- Tuesday 21st May, 2024 – CIVIC THEATRE, ORANGE NSW – Bookings: (02) 6393 8111
- Thursday 23rd May, 2024 – REGIONAL THEATRE, GRIFFITH NSW – Bookings: (02) 6962 8444
- Saturday 25th May, 2024 – THE EVENTS CENTRE, CALOUNDRA QLD – Bookings: (07) 5491 4240
- Thursday 28th May, 2024 – BATHURST MEMORIAL ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE NSW – Bookings: (02) 6333 6161
- Wednesday 29th May, 2024 – CIVIC THEATRE, NEWCASTLE NSW – Bookings: (02) 4929 1977 www.ticketek.com.au
- Thursday 30th May – CIVIC THEATRE, NEWCASTLE NSW – Bookings: (02) 4929 1977 www.ticketek.com.au
- Saturday 1st June, 2024 – GLASSHOUSE, PORT MACQUARIE NSW -2.00pm & 7.30pm – Bookings: (02) 6581 8888
- Wednesday 26th June, 2024 – HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ADELAIDE SA – Bookings: Ticketek 131 246
- Thursday 27th June, 2024 – ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE NSW – Bookings: (02) 6043 5610
- Friday 28th June, 2024 – CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE ACT – Bookings: (02) 6275 2700
- Saturday 29th June, 2024 – CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE ACT – Bookings: (02) 6275 2700
- Wednesday 3rd July 2024 – ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, WOLLONGONG NSW – Bookings: (02) 4224 5999
- Thursday 4th July 2024 – ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, WOLLONGONG NSW – Bookings: (02) 4224 5999
- Friday 5th July 2024 – REGIONAL THEATRE & CONVENTION CENTRE, DUBBO NSW – Bookings: (02) 6801 6378
- Saturday 6th July 2024 – REGIONAL THEATRE & CONVENTION CENTRE, DUBBO NSW – Bookings: (02) 6801 6378
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