Male performers in Trinidad and Tobago are accustomed to being trained in contemporary modern and folk dance, led, not unusually, by male instructors. But how often can one find a male ballet dance master / choreographer, schooling male dancers in a "ballet?" (this is really a story told in dance, rather than a ballet in its classical form). Ten male dancers have joined the Metamorphosis Dance Company this season to stage the local version of the ballet Giselle at Queen's Hall, from April 26 to 29. They have been hand-picked by Artistic director, Nancy Herrera, some coming from the University of Trinidad and Tobago's Dance Department.
Men are an integral part of the story of Giselle. The ballet tells the story of love and betrayal. It is set in the early 1900s on a cocoa estate in Trinidad. Giselle, a young seamstress, is led to believe that the man she loves, Albert, is a simple farmer. But this is far from the truth; he is in fact heir to the Courland Cocoa Estate and is engaged to another woman. When Giselle finally learns the truth she plummets into a fit of madness from her broken heart and kills herself. After her premature death, Giselle protects her lover from the vengeance of a group of evil female spirits. Choreographer Jahn, born in Monaco, danced the role of Tybalt in the world premiere of Rudolf Nureyev's Romeo and Juliet at the Coliseum Theatre, London in June 1977. He is now currently responsible for the entire production worldwide. He teaches and rehearses classical and contemporary ballets with all levels of dancers.
Jahn has created strong male roles for Giselle, having worked with famous dancers and choreographers.
The male dancers will perform the roles of Albert, heir to the Courland Estate; Hilaire, the Foreman; Wilfred (Albert's friend); Courland (Albert's father); the gentleman in Courland's retinue; male plantation workers; the funeral retinue; and men of the village. The drama, action and superb dancing at Queen's Hall shows on April 26 and 29 begin at 6.30 pm; and, April 27 and 28 at 7.30 pm. Tickets are half price on Thursday, April 26, at $75. All other shows, from Friday to Sunday, are priced at $150.
Contact 625-3225 for additional information.