Romeo and Juliet

Since taking the helm of Queensland Ballet, Artistic Director Li Cunxin has taken the company from strength to strength, and this production proves how far they have come during his brief tenure.

Romeo and Juliet is opulent, splendidly spectacular and satisfying. It is the first time Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet has been mounted in Australia and this production is a remount of the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of 1992. Paul Andrews’ sets and costumes, John B. Read’s lighting, and Gary Harris’s swordfights, all of them recreating their Birmingham assignments, are not only impressive, but brilliant in their creation of mood, time and place. From the opening crowd scene in the market-place, to the tragic finale, MacMillan’s 50-year old choreography still thrills with its energy and vision.

Although the season features three guest artists, it was two of Queensland Ballet’s stars who danced the principal roles last night. Meng Ningning’s Juliet was headstrong and defiant and displayed exquisite control dancing on pointe and in her pas de deux work. Partnering her as Romeo was Hao Bin whose passionate performance was technically impressive but lacked emotional fire. Matthew Lawrence was a menacing force as Tybalt, whilst Alec Roberts and Vito Bernasconi brought bravado to Benvolio and Mercutio. Mary Li as the Nurse was delightful and sympathetic giving one of the best performances of the night. Lisa Edwards, Sarah Thompson and Sophie Zoricic livened every market-place scene as the Harlots, whilst Steven Heathcote’s appearance as Escalus was memorable.

The corps de ballet were augmented with members the Queensland Ballet’s pre-professional program dancers, QUT Dance and Ballet Theatre of Queensland students for this production. With the stage sometimes awash with over 70 people, the ensemble scenes were lavishly big. Particularly striking were the robust and vigorous swordfights, and the colourful whirling dervishes in the mandolin dance.

Adding to the magic of the evening was Prokofiev’s score which is the hands Andrew Mogrelia conducting the Queensland Symphony Orchestra came vividly alive.

Peter Pinne     

Images: Meng Ningning (Juliet) and Vito Bernasconi (Mercutio) in Queensland Ballet's Romeo and Juliet. Images supplied by Queensland Ballet.