Metamorphosis: Titian 2012/Royal Ballet, Covent Garden - review

The very best of when ballet blends with art in this "Diaghilevean multi-genre collaboration" between the Royal Ballet and the National Gallery - one of the highlights of the London 2012 Festival
© ALASTAIR MUIR
17 July 2012

Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 at the Royal Opera House is billed as one of the highlights of the London 2012 Festival. The three-part Titian-inspired ballet with designs by a trio of visual artists was conceived as “a Diaghilevean multi-genre collaboration” between the Royal Ballet and the National Gallery.

From the first piece, Machina, onwards this was the Royal Ballet at its best. Although crowd-pleasers Carlos Acosta, Edward Watson, Leanne Benjamin and Tamara Rojo were all very nearly upstaged by sculptor Conrad Shawcross’s imposing giant robotm Acosta was a study in masculinity, while Watson’s precise, sinewy movements beautifully evoked mechanical grace.

The second ballet Trespass, an episodic, lyrical piece with a haunting, Oriental feel, staged an epic collision between male and female, choreographed by Alastair Marriott and Christopher Wheeldon. Conceptual artist Mark Wallinger’s “mirror” set design cleverly referenced Titian’s vision of Diana and her nymphs bathing. Although this was a mesmerising ensemble piece, it was impossible to keep your eyes away from Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae.

Finally Diana and Actaeon fused contemporary and classical elements of both dance and painting, with psychedelic set design from Turner Prize winner Chris Ofili and choreography from Liam Scarlett, Will Tuckett and Jonathan Watkins. Marianela Nunez’s performance as a majestic, imperious Diana led to a standing ovation for her and for Royal Ballet director Monica Mason, enjoying one of the last curtain calls of her 10-year tenure. Superb.

Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 is at the Royal Opera House from 14-20 July (020 7304 4000). The Titians will be shown at the National Gallery, with sets and costumes created for the ballet from 11 July to 23 September. On 16 July the ballet performance will be relayed to a large screen at Trafalgar Square.

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