“Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece will be performed here soon!” I heard someone exclaim nearby. Here we are at Swan Lake in Hanoi. It is a place where art and nature intertwine. Soon, the Hanoi Opera House will host “Swan Lake.” This timeless ballet will return after five years.
The Vietnam National Opera and Ballet will present the original Russian version. Meritorious Artist Luu Thu Lan choreographed it. Performances are scheduled for June 14, 15, and 16.
“Swan Lake” first graced Vietnam in 1985. Russian artists directed that initial performance. In 2019, the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet presented another version. People’s Artist Tran Ly Ly and choreographer Le Ngoc Van led that production.
The return of this world masterpiece aims to satisfy audiences. They want to see first-class art. Meritorious Artist Phan Manh Duc, Director of the VNOB, shared this. Duc said that good and evil coexist in “Swan Lake”. This reflects the struggles in social life. Only love and noble ideals can help people overcome adversity.
“Swan Lake” is Tchaikovsky’s first ballet. It holds historical significance and remains iconic. For nearly 140 years, it has been reimagined. Its interpretations range from classical to modern.
Luu Thu Lan, the artistic director, promises a passionate tribute to pure love. She believes goodness triumphs despite hardships. She chose to stage the original version. This was a significant challenge for her and the crew.
VNOB soloists will perform. They include Pham Thu Hang, Nguyen Duc Hieu, Lan Nhi, Khanh Bang, and Lan Chi. Conductor Dong Quang Vinh will lead the music. Atelier Yoshino Group of Japan and fashion designer Ellie Vu will design the costumes.
“Swan Lake” blends magic, tragedy, and romance. Based on a German fairy tale, it has captivated audiences for over a century. Tchaikovsky’s score tells the story of Prince Siegfried and Odette. Odette is cursed to be a swan by day and a woman by night.
The curse will break if Odette finds true love. Siegfried and Odette face challenges from evil magic. Odile, Rothbart’s daughter, appears. The “Black Swan” Odile seduces Siegfried. She makes him believe she is Odette.
Siegfried realizes the deception and returns to Odette. Rothbart is furious. A battle between good and evil begins.
As you stand here by Swan Lake, imagine the ballet. Visualize the dancers. Hear Tchaikovsky’s music. Feel the timeless love story come to life. The Hanoi Opera House will soon echo with this magical tale.