Morphoses - The Wheeldon Company

Commedia |  Leaving Songs  |  Softly As I Leave You  |  Boléro
Morphoses - The Wheeldon Company
Sadlers Wells, London
October 21st 2009

Photo :  Erin Baiano

An evening of ballet at Sadlers Wells is always a promising treat, especially when it’s presented by Christopher Wheeldon & his own Company, Morphoses. In this first programme, four ballets with differing rhythms were introduced by Chris. This is an American touch which UK audiences don’t tend to expect; I’d prefer to hear what the choreography has to say than the choreographer. That said, it does give a clue that you are in for something different and that’s got to be applauded. As is often the case with Wheeldon, much is spoken about the people involved; nothing of the dance itself, which is a shame given that there is nothing in the programme either.

Photo :  Erin Baiano

Commedia, first seen at Sadler’s Wells last year, is Wheeldon’s modern version of commedia dell’arte to Stravinsky’s gorgeously uplifting Pulcinella Suite. There are colourful masks & capes in a Harlequin style, which are quickly disposed of to reveal flattering black and while all-in-ones. As the group scattered to the corners of the wings, the use of flexed feet, swinging arms and hunched backs gradually subsided, thank goodness, showing classical lines.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

What was the point of the backdrop ? I only noticed it when it turned dark pink and then lifted altogether, and the lighting was used to far better effect towards the end as the group returned and faded to nothing with waving arms, Medusa style. Leanne Benjamin, on loan from The Royal Ballet, was sharper than the rest by far, partnered by her Royal Ballet colleague Edward Watson in a quirky, tender pas de deux.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

Leaving Songs, a UK Premiere tonight, begins with an introductory video from choreographer Tim Harbour, explaining the work, about new starts, life after death and full circles, which fades to nothing while he is still talking.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

The full circles seemed to be represented by balloons, but the steps were a bit on the ploddy side with uninspiring pink and blue costumes. Nothing to do with the story; nothing new I’m afraid.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

Softly As I Leave You begins with a dancer (Drew Jacoby) in black costume inside a tall brown box with an open front, who slowly begins banging on the sides with all parts of her body. Her partner (Rubinald Prink) is powerful, moody, bare-chested, and their pas de deux choreography evoked thoughts of missing each other, either deliberately or by accident. It was dark, defiant and mysterious. Choreographed by Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon, it’s absorbing work.

Photo :  Brenda Spooner

Boléro, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky (former Bolshoi Director and now choreographing at ABT), didn’t live up to expectation. The swell of the music wasn’t replicated on stage, with six dancers in cheer-leading outfits without the pom poms. It’s not an American piece but it has that feel. Wendy Whelan was superb – witty and jazzy and streets ahead of the rest.

Excellent orchestral manoeuvres by Paul Murphy.