Swan Lake ballet returns to Hanoi Opera

The classic ballet Swan Lake in the original Russian version will be performed at the Hanoi Opera House from June 14 to 16.

This work was first performed in Vietnam in 1985 under the direction of Russian artists.

 In 2019, Vietnam National Opera and Ballet presented Swan Lake choreographed by General Director - People's Artist Tran Ly Ly and choreographer Le Ngoc Van.

After 5 years, VNOB decided to bring this world masterpiece back to the Vietnamese stage with the original Russian version performed by a group of local artists.

The original version of the ballet Swan Lake is performed at the Hanoi Opera House. Photo: VNOB

The purpose of bringing back this ballet masterpiece is to satisfy the audience's demand to see first-class art, according to Meritorious Artist Phan Manh Duc, Director of the VNOB.

“In Swan Lake, good and evil always go hand in hand, existing as the human ego. It is like the struggle that always exists in social life. Only love and noble  ideals of life are the gates that lead people to overcome adversity and reach eternal love. For that reason, this work is always welcomed by audiences no matter where and under what circumstances," said Duc.

The first ballet by the celebrated composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, holds not only historical significance but also stands as one of the most iconic ballets of all time.

Over nearly 140 years, it has been reimagined and performed in a variety of styles, from East to West, and from classical to modern interpretations.

Art director Luu Thu Lan, a renowned choreographer, will stage this performance. Photo: VNOB

Renowned choreographer Luu Thu Lan, the ballet's artistic director, promises to breathe new life into this timeless masterpiece by presenting a passionate tribute to pure love, where goodness always triumphs in the end, despite the hardships encountered along the way.

"Until now, no ballet has surpassed Swan Lake in terms of influence, artistry, and grandeur of dance through the music of Tchaikovsky and the choreography of Petipa and Ivanov in 1895. That's why I decided to stage it according to the original, even though it was a big challenge for me and the whole crew," said choreographer Luu Thu Lan.

VNOB's soloists, masters Pham Thu Hang, Nguyen Duc Hieu, young artists Lan Nhi, Khanh Bang and Lan Chi will dance in the ballet under the baton of conductor Dong Quang Vinh.

Costumes for the ballet are designed by Japan's Atelier Yoshino, a stage costume rental company focused on classical ballet, and fashion designer EllieVu.

Swan Lake is a timeless love story that blends magic, tragedy, and romance. Based on a German fairy tale, it has captivated audiences for over a century. Tchaikovsky's score tells the tragic love story of Prince Siegfried and the Swan Princess, Odette, who is cursed by the witch Rothbart to be a swan by day and a young woman by night.

The curse will disappear if Odette meets someone who loves her and is faithful to her. The love of Siegfried and Odette has gone through many tragedies and challenges from evil magic, including the presence of Odile - the daughter of Rothbart.

The "Black Swan" Odile seduces Siegfried and makes him believe that she is the Swan Princess. Realizing the deception, Siegfried immediately returns to Odette. Rothbart is furious and a battle between good and evil ensues.