VietNamNet Bridge – That servants are better than their masters doesn’t seem a theme likely to appeal to those able to afford the HCMC Opera House’s ticket prices. Even so, Tuesday evening saw the premiere of Prokofiev’s Cinderella (which has this theme), a wonderful full-length ballet from the HBSO Ballet Company that was flawlessly danced, beautifully staged, and a total delight in every way.

A scene of the he premiere of Prokofiev’s Cinderella at HCMC Opera House - Photo: Courtesy of HBSO

Comparisons will inevitably be made with the Nutcracker from the same stable almost two years ago. All in all Cinderella was the better production because it was seamless, without a weak moment. It was the finest thing this company has ever, to my knowledge, produced.

What this show demonstrated was that, interesting and sometimes impressive though this company’s contemporary work is, their mastery of the various classical styles remains assured.

Inevitably it was the female dancers who predominated – that’s how this ballet is constructed. Doan Vu Minh Tu as Cinderella herself was just as charming as her prince proved to be, while Tran Hoang Yen as the Fairy Godmother provided a happy, good-natured and popular presence throughout.

Dam Duc Nhuan danced the role of Prince Charming with dignity and sometimes panache, while the two dancers who took the roles of the step-sisters (unnamed in the program) provided liberal additions of comedy to diversify the entertainment.

The scenery, costumes and lighting were all excellent, and the capacity audience responded rightly with enthusiasm.

There were many pleasing details. The on-stage, mute violinist during the dancing lesson in Act 1, despite the pre-recorded orchestral accompaniment, was an excellent idea, and if Prince Charming’s ball seemed slightly under-attended, those who were present did their utmost to fill the stage and provide the formality of a grand event.

Best of all were the two scenes danced before a backdrop depicting a rural estate on a moon-lit night. These, and especially the second, which concludes the work, had a delightful restraint about them that only added to their effectiveness.

All praise, therefore, has to go to Norwegian choreographer Johanne Jakhelln Constant (who also choreographed Nutcracker). She may not produce startlingly original ideas, but her choreography is invariably strong and appropriate to the situation on stage. She was also responsible for this production’s scenography and costume design, and was assisted in her choreographic labors by Nguyen Phuc Hung.

This production forms part of the Festival of Autumn Melodies that runs until Sunday (August 25), and is another welcome fruit of the Transposition Program, a co-operative arrangement between Vietnam and Norway.

This taxing Cinderella certainly put the HBSO Ballet Company through its paces, but the end product could hardly have been more enjoyable.

By Bradley Winterton in HCMC

Source: SGT