The modern, traditional, elegant and whimsical converge in Oklahoma Festival Ballet, now on stage at the Rupel Jones Theatre through April 11.
The joint production of the School of Dance and University Theatre opened Tursday and presents four selections from across the spectrum of ballet, with choreography of two pieces by OU faculty.
The show’s centerpiece is the French ballet “Les Biches” by Bronislava Nijinska, and staged here by ballet master and visiting faculty member Howard Sayette. The piece is a lively skewering of sexual politics and gender roles that features a Parisian party set against a striking white set design. Originally performed in 1924, “Les Biches” retains an approach to both its subject matter and form that feels fresh.
In contrast to it is the piece that immediately follows it, Act III from “The Sleeping Beauty.” Featuring music by Tchaikovsky, the ballet takes place at the wedding of Aurora and Prince Desire, with opulent costume design by Mike Buchwald.
Despite the traditional nature of the ballet, it staves off stuffiness with playful interludes that include appearances from Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf and Puss ‘n Boots.
Before intermission, the show features two pieces with original choreography by OU faculty. The first is “Elegie,” choreographed by School of Dance director Mary Margaret Holt, and featuring a score by Rachmaninoff.
The second is “Mojo,” choreographed by assistant professor of dance Steve Brule. The piece features an irresistible rhythmic score by Brent Lewis, with the primal nature of both male and female explored in interesting and humorous ways. Among all four ballets, “Mojo” stands out for the way it positions its dancers’ bodies against one another.
With more than 40 dancers and significant costume and set changes between each piece, Oklahoma Festival Ballet is a daring and impressive production that immerses the audience in a wide range of ballet technique. It shouldn’t be missed.
What: Oklahoma Festival Ballet
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays now through April 10 and 3 p.m. April 11
Where: Rupel Jones Theatre
563 Elm Ave. in Norman
Tickets: $22 adult, $18 senior, faculty and staff, $14 student
For tickets, call 405-325-4101
The Oklahoma Daily is pleased to provide you the opportunity to share your thoughts about this article. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or straying from the topic at hand. To comment, you must be a registered user of OUDaily.com. Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Log in | Register