Villains in movies and theatre usually get a lot of attention from the audience. In ballet world “evil forces” are even more spectacular thanks to expressive movements and music design. Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato usually makes his villains look incredibly memorable and gorgeous. For example, mouse army in his “Nutcracker” looks modern, energetic, classy, and Carabosse’s rushing appearance along with her retinue is one on the most impressive scenes in “Sleeping Beauty” ballet.
Denis Matvienko, Director of NOVAT Ballet Company pointed out: “It is a bit unfair that main characters of “Sleeping Beauty” with large, complex parts do not look that spectacular or impactful, like Carabosse Fairy who barely has a dance. Of course, it means something when a man appears in woman’s dress, but that’s not the point. Evil characters imply certain freedom, they are more charismatic in general, while princes and all other good characters must act under strict norms of ballet canons”.
Nacho Duato was not the first director who decided to use a male dancer to impersonate Carabosse Fairy in “Sleeping Beauty”, this ballet tradition goes back a while. Even Marius Petipa chose an Italian virtuoso dancer Enrico Cecchetti for the premiere show of “Sleeping Beauty” back in 1890. The following artists perform Nacho Duato’s Carabosse Fairy at the Novosibirsk theatre: Marat Shemiunov, Kirill Novitsky, Mikhail Lifentsev.
Anna Odintsova, Honored Artist of Russia, who represents Lilac Fairy of “Sleeping Beauty” talks her stage partners and antagonists: “Carabosse of Nacho Duato’s ballet is definitely the most striking character. The image is thought through by the director. An impressive appearance of a tall, noble sorceress in an elegant black dress and huge black cloak wrapping the stage with a grim shadow positively provoke a burst of applause. And here you have to admit that Lilac Fairy fades in comparison with this entire glare; but what’s more important is the motion concept the choreographer designed for Carabosse and her retinue – the way they move, one cannot avert his eyes. I adore our artists, who get to play this role and I also believe that not any ballerina would look that natural, feminine and impressive in this role. ”
Leading soloist of NOVAT Mikhail Lifentsev impersonated a number of different “dark” characters with the theatre, including a brilliant performance of Carabosse Fairy, and he admits he preferred villains since the choreographic school: “These roles imply more opportunities to display your personality, more room for creativity. One part may involve several colors. I’ve heard similar opinions from many of my colleagues. Traitor Birbanto from “Le Corsaire”, Crassus from “Spartacus”, Rothbart from “Swan Lake”, Mouse King from “The Nutcracker”, Carabosse Fairy – they all let you add something of your own to the image. In choreographic school I dreamt of dancing Spartacus, now my favorite character is Crassus”.
P. Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” ballet, choreography by Nacho Duato, 13:00 and 19:00 March 24.
Tickets are available at the theatre box office, on novat.nsk.ru and with our partners.