@ Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, on Tue 29 Sep 2015 (then touring)
Over the last few years, Scottish Ballet have been going from strength to strength, moving away from their regional roots to become reborn as a company who are truly international and cutting-edge. Most exciting of all, they are continually presenting new work, in amongst their more established repertoire, keeping their outlook fresh, their dancers challenged and their audiences engaged.
From this point of view, the opening of their new season does not disappoint, comprising two brand new pieces—Maze by Scottish Ballet’s own coryphée Sophie Laplane, and Motion of Displacement by New York based choreographer Bryan Arias—as well as a new version of Javier de Frutos’ Elsa Canasta, revised especially for Scottish Ballet by its creator.
It is great to see Scottish Ballet supporting its own performers, and Maze demonstrates what a win-win situation this can be, as this is a very well hewn work, and nicely balances a programme that would not have been nearly as successful without it. Laplane’s choreography is dynamic and uncluttered, allowing the dancers’ energy and concentration to really bring Maze alive.
The highlight of the evening is Arias’ Motion of Displacement, every aspect of which is simply excellent. The black and white and grey of the minimalist set and costume design, is contrasted by the warm, orange glow of a moveable array of flown light bulbs: so simple, yet so very effective. The orchestra’s playing is spot on too, the Adams in particular is played extremely well, the Bach a surprisingly good partner to it.
However, the best thing of all is the commitment of the dancers to this work, which is absolutely palpable throughout: they are incredibly present from beginning to end. The choreography does really demand this from the dancers, though, as it is both very honest and intense.
Elsa Canasta provides quite a contrast to the previous two works. It is busy, energetic, and often witty and fun. With music by Cole Porter, whose songs are well delivered by Nick Holder, it is danced with real panache and vitality: nothing seems out of place.
There is certainly nothing complacent about Scottish Ballet’s opening programme: it has an amazing, positive energy about it. They are a company who definitely know what they are about.