Dawnstar Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 Oh dear, reading (most of!) the comments on last night makes me want to see Osipova/Muntagirov, despite having already seen Nunez/Muntagirov & having Magri/Campbell booked for Saturday. That's one of the problems I have with theatre: the more I see, the more I want to see! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coated Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 (edited) I enjoyed last night's performance, largely due to spirited cast, particularly Osipova's pure joy on stage, Muntagirov's wonderful dancing, as well as Reece Clarke's swagger, Fumi Kaneko's beautiful queen and Isabella Gasparini's pixie like amour. This was the first cast I'd voluntarily see twice in this production. As for the production itself, Nogoat's post pretty much captures how I feel about it. I seem to get more irritated by the shouting the more often I see it, and suspect I'll reduce my booking to Frankenstein levels when it comes around again. Reece's humour and the charmingly droll leads did help the Tavern scene though, I didn't contemplate giving up on ballet all together during it for once. ETA: The props department might also need to get some slightly larger capes for tall Espadas. Reece looked liked he's whirling a large handkerchief around at times. Very dashing handkerchief whirling, of course. Edited March 26, 2019 by Coated 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 Marianela Nunez has posted a lovely appreciation of Vadim Muntagiroc on her Instagram account which is in the public domain. Lots of super comments are piling up on there too. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 (edited) In the Mariinsky’s Instagram Natalia Osipova deeply apologised to all ballet-goers who were disappointed with the cancellation of her appearance in Don Quixote at the Mariinsky on 28 March. She explained that the situation at her “home theatre” (this is how she referred to the ROH), with casting and injuries, requires her presence in London. She said that she feels sad and genuinely sorry and promised to definitely come later and dance at the Mariinsky. Edited March 26, 2019 by Amelia tried to make it smaller but failed 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 I'm amazed that a guest artist can pull out like this (not blaming anyone!) at the last minute just because they're deemed to be needed at their home company. Are all guest appearances covered by this proviso, then, that the dancer might not in fact perform? If so, guest appearances/bookings are really quite provisional which I hadn't realised. Or is it just the RB that makes this proviso if their dancers perform elsewhere? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saodan Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 Didn't Obraztsova withdraw at short notice from an RB Swan Lake a few years ago because the Bolshoi needed her back as injury cover? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annamk Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 I still find it bizarre. Her Saturday evening London performance has been scheduled for months, so was known about when she agreed to the Mariinsky performance. What other performance is she required in London for ? Surely she can’t be on standby to do the Saturday matinee of Don Q as well as the evening ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 (edited) I wish that this thread hadn't been taken over by the latest Osipova 'saga'. After all, it's not as if her withdrawal from guesting in St Petersburg has affected her appearances in Don Q here and what everyone thought about her performance as Kitri is surely far more interesting. So here goes.......... I absolutely love Osipova's energy, especially in Don Q and Flames of Paris, but, and I can't quite put my finger on it, there is now a wildness of movement, a tightness in her shoulders and a hardness of facial expression which, for me, undermines her artistry in classical roles. There is no way that I am not going to continue to find her 'interesting' and eminently 'watchable' but her dancing is not as much to my taste as it is to her ardent and loyal supporters, whose support I understand and respect although I cannot fully share it. Edited March 26, 2019 by capybara 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninamargaret Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 Presumably the RB performances with Osipova were scheduled some time ago. And the Maryinsky perhaps not quite so.long ago. it would therefore seem to me foolish to consider two RB performances, plus another version at the Maryinsky, plus rehearsals,plus travel all in one week. it seems to me that it was inconsiderate on the part of whoever was responsible for the Maryinsky performance to arrange it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob S Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 Meanwhile Vadim seems to have nipped over to Naples 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 5 minutes ago, capybara said: I wish that this thread hadn't been taken over by the latest Osipova 'saga'. After all, it's not as if her withdrawal from guesting in St Petersburg has affected her appearances in Don Q here and what everyone thought about her performance as Kitri is surely far more interesting. So here goes.......... I absolutely love Osipova's energy, especially in Don Q and Flames of Paris, but, and I can't quite put my finger on it, there is now a wildness of movement, a tightness in her shoulders and a hardness of facial expression which, for me, undermines her artistry in classical roles. There is no way that I am not going to continue to find her 'interesting' and eminently 'watchable' but her dancing is not as much to my taste as it is to her ardent and loyal supporters, whose support I understand and respect although I cannot fully share it. I don't think it's a 'saga', capybara - it's a matter of interest and raises questions about guesting generally. I agree that Osipova is far from pure or flawless in classical roles, but I find I am also still an 'ardent and loyal' supporter. I find her more than 'watchable' or 'interesting' - I find her absolutely mesmerising. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 4 hours ago, Nogoat said: I’m led to the inevitable conclusion that it’s the production that’s to blame for the empty space in my head. NoGoat, by way of perhaps underpinning your comments about (duff) music, (clumsy) playing and (limp) conducting last night, might I quote a certain Geoff who at the beginning of the run posted: >>This conductor is I suspect not the easiest to work with (he gives the impression of being understandably interested in pointing up aspects of the “new version” of the score, which is however perhaps not really a priority) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangorballetboy Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 47 minutes ago, capybara said: there is now a wildness of movement, a tightness in her shoulders and a hardness of facial expression which, for me, undermines her artistry in classical roles. Precisely the three points I was making to someone before R&J tonight! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard LH Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 8 hours ago, annamk said: I still find it bizarre. Her Saturday evening London performance has been scheduled for months, so was known about when she agreed to the Mariinsky performance. What other performance is she required in London for ? Surely she can’t be on standby to do the Saturday matinee of Don Q as well as the evening ? Posts on the Russian forum do suggest a possible explanation, but without adding to the specific injury speculation there, it may be that for whatever reason the original "cover plan" for Saturday's two Don Q performances, that Kevin O'Hare had in mind when he first permitted Osipova to go, is not now possible. Hence the need to avoid the risk of her picking up a problem in St P, or getting delayed on her Friday return. I can't imagine that performing Kitri twice in one day would be ideal, but that is exactly what Takada did in 2014. Having danced the matinee, she took over after Osipova was injured in Act 1 of the evening performance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 8 hours ago, Richard LH said: Posts on the Russian forum do suggest a possible explanation, but without adding to the specific injury speculation there, it may be that for whatever reason the original "cover plan" for Saturday's two Don Q performances, that Kevin O'Hare had in mind when he first permitted Osipova to go, is not now possible. Hence the need to avoid the risk of her picking up a problem in St P, or getting delayed on her Friday return. I can't imagine that performing Kitri twice in one day would be ideal, but that is exactly what Takada did in 2014. Having danced the matinee, she took over after Osipova was injured in Act 1 of the evening performance. I'm trying to work this out but can't get it to make sense. If the implication is that Osipova may be needed to cover for a possibly injured Magri then why would Magri have been dancing in last night's R&J, as per reports on that thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 4 minutes ago, Dawnstar said: I'm trying to work this out but can't get it to make sense. If the implication is that Osipova may be needed to cover for a possibly injured Magri then why would Magri have been dancing in last night's R&J, as per reports on that thread? I thought it was more that if she got injured on Thursday or couldn't get back in time, there would be a problem covering her on Saturday evening. But I don't know if that's right either. Does anyone know: is the withdrawal of a guest artist because they're needed at home very rare? Or is it a real possibility to be aware of when booking for guest artists generally? I haven't heard of it before, but maybe that's just me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 It has occurred a few times that I'm aware of. Since we don't actually know the thinking behind the withdrawal, perhaps we shouldn't speculate further. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAX Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 I find completely normal that Kevin O'Hare asked her to stay in London. I think that directors are generally quite generous with the authorizations they give for guest performances. But giving the priority to your company is a must for a dancer ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 2 hours ago, bridiem said: I thought it was more that if she got injured on Thursday or couldn't get back in time, there would be a problem covering her on Saturday evening. But I don't know if that's right either. That does make more sense than the way round I was reading it. 2 hours ago, alison said: It has occurred a few times that I'm aware of. Since we don't actually know the thinking behind the withdrawal, perhaps we shouldn't speculate further. Sorry. I'm just stressing as I have a ticket for the Saturday matinee & would really like both Magri & Campbell to be on! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shade Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 22 hours ago, Saodan said: Didn't Obraztsova withdraw at short notice from an RB Swan Lake a few years ago because the Bolshoi needed her back as injury cover? Yes indeed she did - I had tickets for that very performance and I was extremely disappointed. It is rare that I have had an opportunity to see her dance in the uk as sadly she doesn’t seem to tour with the Bolshoi. Hence I have every sympathy with people who had bought tickets in good faith to see Osipova and are now disappointed. I doubt any explanation will satisfy them. Nonetheless I would love to see Shklyarov as Basilio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Wall Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, Shade said: Nonetheless I would love to see Shklyarov as Basilio. We did see him in that role with the Mariinsky at the ROH ..... and were VERY lucky to have Muntagirov with Osipova at the RB in DQ. He was PURE magic. Edited March 27, 2019 by Bruce Wall 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shade Posted March 28, 2019 Share Posted March 28, 2019 I do so agree with you Bruce but didn’t want to appear smug at our good fortune. The joy of Monday is still with me - despite not getting home till 1.00 in the morning and all the confusion of the week! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Q Fan Posted March 29, 2019 Share Posted March 29, 2019 Well if Yevseyeva stood in for Osipova at Mariinsky on 28th. then they are lucky because I still remember Yevseyeva's performance as Kitri here last time they were here she was wonderful especially her gorgeous fouettes with arms held high above her head. Stunning. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amelia Posted March 29, 2019 Share Posted March 29, 2019 (edited) Three pieces from Don Q. at Mariinsky, 28 March, with Shklyarov, Yevseyeva, a flock of Vaganova Academy pupils and Anastasia Nooikina, last year graduate, as the Queen of the Dryads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCCQ7LNEiVE  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9hBslY2RmU  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvtNTOLfG4Q Edited March 29, 2019 by Amelia Changing full pictures to the link. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 Reece Clarke replacing Valentino Zuchetti as Espada & Bennet Gartside replacing Thomas Whitehead as Gamache this afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 What's the betting that the replaced dancers will be on this evening instead? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 (edited) The cast changes were announced over the speakers at the pre-curtain announcement. First time I've heard that this season. I guess someone has been listening to all the complaints! Oh and Reece Clarke as Espada is so good looking I'm not surprised he was having success with so many of the village girls! Edited March 30, 2019 by Dawnstar 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 3 hours ago, capybara said: What's the betting that the replaced dancers will be on this evening instead? Espada tonight might be a case of last man standing! After Clarke having replaced Zuchetti, there was then an announcement at the start of Act 3 that Clarke had been injured in Act 1 & was being replaced by Edmonds. I've already started praying that Clarke's injury isn't serious, given his upcoming Romeos. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 Oh no I really liked Clarke's Espada 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 So how were Campbell and Magri as the leads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 My cup runneth over...two magical debuts in less than 48 hours! What a wonderful and confident debut from Mayara Magri today. She was cheeky, funny, flirtatious, and all to such musical and classy dancing 💃🏻! Partnered by a superb and equally cheeky and flirtatious Alexander Campbell, the chemistry between them was sizzling. Gary Avis was a touching Don whose clarity of gesture really told his story. Lovely, assured Queen of the Dryads from Claire Calvert, and Bennet Gartside made me giggle out loud! A huge ole to Nicol Edmonds for taking over the role of Espada in Act 3 and doing a fine job! I hope Reece Clarke is ok. A joyous afternoon where the sun and warmth outside were met with equal intensity inside. Bravo to all! 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJW Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 4 hours ago, Dawnstar said: The cast changes were announced over the speakers at the pre-curtain announcement. First time I've heard that this season. I guess someone has been listening to all the complaints! Haha I thought the same thing when I heard the announcement (and for Nicol Edmonds replacing Clarke for the third act) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob S Posted March 30, 2019 Share Posted March 30, 2019 (edited) Edmonds replaces Clarke as Fandango Man this evening, Gartside replaces Whitehead as Gamache.....and as the ROH is taking part in Earth Hour at 8.30 presumably candles replace the normal stage lighting for Act 2 Edited March 30, 2019 by Rob S 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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