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Olé! The toreador strutted and stalked and whirled, beguiling all the while. Armando Barros was brilliant as Escamillo in Joburg Ballet’s performance of Carmen on Friday evening. He encapsulated the fiery Spanish spirit.
As did Claudia Monja in the demanding eponymous role of the wanton cigarette factory worker who entices the timid Don José. This strong dancer is convincing as the capricious, fickle minx.
The gentle soldier Don José is played by Leusson Muniz. It seems that this man doesn’t realise what a good dancer he is; he doesn’t show himself off to his audience, command their attention by his very presence, never mind with his wonderful leaps and turns. Perhaps his energy got a bit lost in his characterisation of Don José as a too pitiful romantic. As Muniz matures in confidence as a dancer and actor, he will be marvellous.
The Mandela at the Joburg Theatre presents an enjoyable production created by the august duo of choreographer Veronica Paeper and designer Peter Cazalet. The costumes and scenery, adapted by Vanessa Nicolau, are attractive, playing their own part in enriching the spectacle. A weak aspect of the choreography was the duration of the final scene; it belaboured Carmen’s rejection and Don José’s pleading before the denouement.
There’s a troupe of good male dancers in this company. That may seem like an unnecessary statement, given that that’s exactly what there should be in any worthwhile ballet company, but it hasn’t always been the case in Joburg. It was a pleasure to watch them dancing together. And the ballerinas were accomplished, as ever, expressing themselves naturally through the means of their dancing.
In the middle of this ballet there’s a splendid ensemble flamenco, against the backdrop of the outside of the bullring, with effective lighting through the arches. It’s a welcome respite from the drama of the conflict between the capricious Carmen and her besotted admirer.
How refreshing to have a ballet other than one of the classics to go and see. The classics are, well, just that, so always watchable, but surely the audience as well as the dancers appreciate a change. And … with a real, live orchestra, nogal! Yes, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra was in the pit and they were warmly welcomed.
Indeed, the audience gave the production abundant applause, many of them rising to their feet during the curtain calls.
Take advantage of this opportunity to see a different balletic offering.
Season runs until 15 April
Shows at 11am, 3pm and 7.30pm
Book via joburgballet.com
