Students attend performance of Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’

News - Nov 19

93 students travelled to the Theatre Royal Plymouth to watch a performance of Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’, which was described after its first performance almost 30 years ago as ‘the show that changed the dance landscape forever’.  

It was a truly mesmerising show, with Tchaikovsky’s original score combining with the most powerfully stunning set design, costumes, special effects and, of course, incredible dancing, leaving the whole audience in awe of the power of live theatre. The production tells the story of a prince who is emotionally neglected by his mother, struggling to fulfil his public role and seeking liberation from these stifling expectations. He does eventually find acceptance and love, but not in ways that society considers acceptable. The narrative is somewhat ambiguous, allowing the audience to make up their own minds about the identity of the swans and what they represent.  

Bourne’s choice to replace the traditional female corps-de-ballet with a ‘menacing male ensemble’ certainly encourages questions about the prince’s sexuality, but this is also a story about a fundamental need to connect with someone with whom you can be your true self. The show was witty and disturbing, beautiful and tragic, and the final tableau offered an incredibly poignant moment which will stay in the audience’s minds for a very long time.