2 May 2013 – 12 May 2013, Artscape, Cape Town
In 1990 South African choreographer Veronica Paeper created the ballet, Camille. It is based on the life of Marie du Plessis who was one of the most notorious courtesans in Paris of the 1840s. One of her lovers was the young author Alexandre Dumas, but the affair ended after eleven months and Marie succumbed to consumption in 1847. On hearing of her death, Dumas wrote a fictionalized account of their relationship, published under the title Camille.
Set to the music of Verdi’s opera La Traviata, itself inspired by Dumas’s novel, the score for Camille has been adapted by musical arranger Allan Stephenson to suit the ballet. In order to prevent repetition and redundancy during two of the love scenes between Armand and Camille which require pas de deux, Stephenson wrote new music for one of these scenes. The result is perfect. The score is wonderfully performed by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, and the production is worth seeing for this alone.
However, it is, of course, the dancing which is the element of most significance, and in this case it is truly remarkable. In the title role, Tracy Li, who has come out of retirement specifically to grace the stage as Camille once again, shone with a light that few dancers can replicate. Li was able to reproduce Camille’s joi de vivre as well as her ailing health and eventual death with a convincing passion and expression that has perhaps been lacking in Cape Town ballet in recent years. Partnering Li in the role of Armand is Jesse Milligan – it is a faultless partnership, one which allows the audience to share in the couple’s mutual happiness and sorrow.
For a truly remarkable ballet that promises love, tears, a wonderful score and the best dancing that I have seen in a long time, make your way to Artscape to see Camille.
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For More Information Visit:
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http://www.artscape.co.za
http://www.artscape.co.za/show/camille/658
