THEATRE 
REVIEWS
La Traviata
Grand Theatre Leeds
Leeds
ENGLAND
Danty liasons
The Lady of the Camellias, better known as La Traviata, is the theme that choreographer Veronica Paeper took for Northern Ballet's latest offering. The curtain goes up to reveal an impressive flat of scenery depicting the interior of a grand house, a salon where gentlemen take their pleasure with the ladies of the town. Girls dance and men admire them as the madam overlooks the scene where liaisons commence.
Marguerite, danced by Desiré Samaai, returns from the opera with Baron Douphol (Kenneth Tindall) where she meets Armand, danced by Jonathan Ollivier, and gives him a camellia with an invitation for a liaison when it has faded. Armond is not very good at bringing in money and Marguerite starts selling her jewellery to support them. This then is the basis of the plot that weaves its way through threats and tragedy to its conclusion.
Seduction time with Jonathan Ollivier and Desiré Samaai
The audience were treated to some impressive dancing by the company. The dance routine performed in the salon by the gypsies in red, Keiko Amemori and Patrick Howell, possibly takes the eye for the whole evening. The girls of the chorus add atmosphere with their colourful interpretation of the music, but the boys need to get their co-ordination under control. Faultless are the orchestra under the baton of John Pryce-Jones, with some fine playing by clarinets, French horn and cellist brought about by the orchestration of Allan Stephenson.
This was a truly enjoyable evening at the ballet with great dancing, colourful costumes, impressive scenery mixed with the melodies of Verdi's music. Well worth a visit if the new ballet comes your way. © BA
“La Traviata” is in Leeds on the 11th February then reportory until the 19th February, 2005 and then touring. This is a No Smoking theatre. Car parking charge £2.50 from 5pm.
Is there an Air Conditioning certificate prominently displayed in your theatre foyer stating the date of manufacture of the appliance and when the system was last inspected and serviced - if not, complain to the theatre management.
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