Friday 15 August 2008

Dorian Gray

I've had a very strange week this week - out of routine which has had its good and bad bits. Tomorrow is further out of routine as I am going to see Matthew Bourne's latest ballet, 'Dorian Gray' in Plymouth with my mum. We are both Matthew Bourne groupies.

In case you don't know his work, he is a choreographer, most famous for his male Swan Lake. But he's also done choreography for a lot of West End musicals including Mary Poppins and, I think, The Sound of Music. In addition he has created countless other ballets - all contemporary dance - which have me spellbound. His last, two years ago, was Edward Scissorhands, and had me weeping copiously all the way through. His portrayal of the poor outsider, desperate for love, and hurting anyone he tried to love because of his hands, was heart rending but beautifully acted and danced.

Being gay and ultra sensitive, Matthew Bourne is excellent at portraying those who feel outsiders. You can tell he has experienced it himself. But it's clever mix of wit, humour, idiosyncratic gestures and breathtaking choreography that make his ballets so great. Even if you don't like ballet, try his work. It's not like classical ballet at all, but he aims to make ballet accessible. Judging by the audience last time, which ranged from 6 to 80 year olds of both sexes, I guess he's succeeding.

His version of Oscar Wilde is of a male model and the current obsession with looks and glamour. Knowing MB, it will be beautifully done. So think of me, weeping my eyes out tomorrow afternoon. All in the cause of art.

11 comments:

Jenny Beattie said...

Oh Flowerpot. I cannot begin to tell you HOW JEALOUS I AM. I love him: my favourite being 'Play Without Words' which was one of the most sensual pieces of theatre I've EVER SEEN. OMG: I'm sooooo green.

Please come back and give us a blow by blow account of it.

Chris Stovell said...

One of my dear friends is a great Matthew Bourne fan too - must get myself along.

Also popped by to say that I have signed up for OU215... I may never be able to afford to eat again but, hey!

Elaine Denning said...

You lucky thing, FP! Cry some tears for me too while you're there, will you?

Flowerpot said...

JJ - I saw Play without Words also. I will give you an account next week - not back till tuesday!

Flowerpot said...

Chris - do, I'm sure you'd really enjoy it. And I'm so glad you;ve signed up for the OU course - it can only be a good thing!

MissU - I will cry enough for the whole of Devon and Cornwall, never fear!

Irene said...

I like weeping my eyes out for a good cause, art is definitely one of them, if not the highest.

Akelamalu said...

You know I wanted to be a ballet dancer when I was a young child - I only managed tap classes. I have still to see a live ballet performance. :(

Amanda said...

I hope you had a fantastic time at the ballet with your mum. You are so lucky. :-)

Flowerpot said...

irene - I quite agree!

Ak - shame on you! No, I have always loved ballet - dancing it and watching it, so I can't imagine not going to see it.

Annie - yes I am very fortunate indeed.

Anonymous said...

I love ballet. Could never have attempted it myself being a fairy elephant but to watch it is simply enchanting.

CJ xx

Flowerpot said...

CJ - yes I love a good ballet - good escapist stuff and always gets my legs twitching!