World premiere of Shakespeare’s masterpiece

September 24th, 2008

Moncton NB, CANADA: Dance and Theatre are a riveting combination in Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s newest full-length ballet KING LEAR which has its world premiere at Moncton’s Capitol Theatre on October 10, 2008. After a brief hiatus from drama with the creation of last season’s engaging and funny DON JUAN, Igor Dobrovolskiy has returned to the genre in a big way with an emotionally powerful, and visually arresting interpretation of William Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy KING LEAR.

While many choreographers have created long and short ballets based on the Bard’s works, Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s KING LEAR is the first time a that a full-length ballet has been based on what is considered his masterpiece. Set on the haunting scores of the great Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, Dobrovolskiy’s KING LEAR is a dark and gripping chronicle of pride, greed and treachery.

“We are extremely proud to open this stunning production in our home here in Atlantic Canada,” said Company CEO Susan Chalmers-Gauvin. “This is a remarkable achievement in the dance world, and the fact that we have been able to mount such a work here in the province of New Brunswick is a milestone for the performing arts in our region,” she continued. The achievement is all the more outstanding when one considers that Igor Dobrovolskiy creates an original full-length ballet each season as well as maintaining a busy national and international touring schedule with his Company. Hailed in Europe as a troupe setting new bounds in neo-classical ballet-theatre, Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada has also been recognized internationally for the exceptional artistry and athleticism of its dancers.

Working with dramaturge Sharon Pollock, one of the most respected playwrights/directors in Canadian theatre, Dobrovolskiy has created a story with classic roots and themes that resonate with modern day audiences. As the ballet opens the aging King Lear has decided to relinquish his power and divide his realm amongst his three daughters, Cordelia, Regan, and Goneril. The largest piece of his kingdom will go to the child who declares the greatest love for her father. The cunning and corrupt Goneril and Regan, lie to their father with excessive claims of affection. Cordelia, his favourite, tells him simply that she loves him as a daughter should. Her sincere but reserved answer enrages the king, who disowns her. Dobrovolskiy’s dynamic and expressive choreography shapes the tale as the monstrous Goneril and Regan abandon their father and Lear slowly changes from an arrogant and powerful monarch to a broken and grief stricken wanderer.

Proud and foolish, disagreeable and sympathetic at the same time, Lear is one of Shakespeare's most complex characters and portraying him remains a tremendous challenge. Sergiy Diyanov, who has taken on several demanding characters created by Dovrovolskiy, including title roles in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and MERLIN, is up to the task. His Lear is not a grand tragic figure, but a selfish and foolish old man who has been insulated from the harsh realities of life. When he is betrayed and shunned by his children, Lear’s world and the world of those around him disintegrates into chaos and violence.

The ballet’s contrasts between good and evil, truth and lies, are reflected in the geometrical contemporary set by Brian Perchaluk and the dramatic and sensual costumes designed by Denis Lavoie. Lavoie’s creations counterpoint the amoral, and violent natures of the social elite against the desolate conditions of the homeless. Pierre Lavoie has once again created the lighting for what will be his fourth collaboration with Dobrovolskiy.

Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s KING LEAR has everything: love, avarice, humour, madness, deceit, remorse and murder. Don't miss it!

KING LEAR plays at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, on October 10 and 11, 2008. The production then tours across Atlantic Canada.

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