OPERA GARNIER, LA FILLE MAL GARDEE: 18 June - 15 July 2012
 

The Palais Garnier was built between 1862-1875, by the architect Charles Garnier. He was only 35 when awarded with the design of the new opera house. A large building, it has a total area of 11,000 square metres (118,404 square feet) and a vast stage with room for up to 450 artists. The auditorium itself comprises roughly half of the total space, most of the rest being used to house necessary logistical support so that the stage demands of any opera can be met and even surpassed. This can include live horses running on a rotating stage. The opera seats only 2,200 which makes it a delightfully cosy venue. It is an ornate building richly decorated with friezes, columns, and winged figures among other statues and embellishments.

As a complete counter-act to the great dramatic ballets, the jovial comedy, La Fille Mal Gardee is one of the longest surviving French narrative ballets in history. Sir Frederick Ashton's staging, along with Louis Joseph Ferdinand Herold's music, arranged by John Lanchbery incorporates lightness and humour in this streamlined two-act version.

Ashton's interpretation breathes new life into one of the oldest story ballets in history with its comedic timing and appealing story line, La Fille Mal Gardee is easy to interpret and a joy to watch. Translating as the 'The Wayward Daughter,'the ballet revolves around the playful Lise and her lover Colas. Her mother Simone, a wealthy widower and farm owner has other plans for her, and encourages an engagement between Lise and the childish but well-to-do Alain. Eventually, Lise is able to convince her protective mother to allow her to marry Colas.

Intertwined with romance, cleverness and charm on a provincial French farm, Ashton choreographs some of his most celebrated works such as Widow Simone's clog dance, a tongue in cheek dance with four other dancers, adding to the appeal of Widow Simone's character. Another visual treat is Ashton's expertly choreographed maypole dance, where the corps de ballet dances with a rainbow of ribbons creating intricate patterns and designs.

From knee-spankings to dancing hens, La Fille Mal Gardee will keep you entertained as the blossoming of young love sets the stage in a romantic French countryside.

By Lisa Zatulovsky

Access: