The company will perform by the end of summer, in a traditional montage bringing back the allure of Tchaikovsky’s popular creation. Considered one of the best troupes in the world, this performance will also mark the group’s first visit to London, apart from its artistic director’s, former prima ballerina Nina Ananiashvili, return to the venue in over 20 years.
Summer is just around the corner. Though that may be hard to tell if you’re a Londoner… But whatever the season has in store as for its unpredictable weather (either cold, very cold or just rain), what we can already assure is that its theatre vault is packed with some joyful goods. As new musicals, transfers and revival productions get ready to bring the heat back on, the classical offer is also booming with some most exciting proposals for the next few months. Ballet’s devotees are in for a treat, with Tchaikovsky’s magnum opus, Swan Lake, returning in two lavish montages. On the one hand, ENB’s signature in-the-round take at the Royal Albert Hall. On the other, a traditional version by one of the world’s top-ten companies, whose stay in the West End has just been announced to be amplified.
This August, the London Coliseum will welcome the State Ballet of Georgia, an internationally praised troupe forged upon 175 of experience – currently under the artistic direction of renowned dancer and choreographer Nina Ananiashvili, former prima
ballerina with Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Featuring custom-made painted cloths crafted at the Georgian Opera House’s workshops, as well as near 100 original costumes, the show will restore the charm and ardor of Tchaikovsky’s audience fave piece through an highly physical performance – a style-defining trait which has established the company as one of the most demanded ones across the planet.
“Swan Lake is one of our best repertoires. It combines elaborate costumes, stunning choreography, exquisite ornaments and the young generation of dancers with Georgian characteristics”, says Ananiashvili. “Swan Lake has always had an important place in my career. It was the first ballet that I performed in the Bolshoi Theatre and was my first and final significant performance at American Ballet Theater. I can’t wait to share it with audiences in London for the first time”.
With a cast of 65 members, the performance will be accompanied by the award-winning English National Opera Orchestra, and will also be on display at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, where it will run for a few days by the end of November. This production also marks the SBG’s first comeback to the UK since their last visit back in 2008, when they were part of the Edinburgh International Festival – apart from Ananiashvili’s first return to the London Coliseum stage since 1999, when she played Kitri in Don Quixote with the Bolshoi.
Swan Lake will play at the London Coliseum from 28 August to 8 September. Tickets are available on the following link.