Manon

Once again the Brisbane cultural scene proves that you don’t have to visit the Paris Opera or the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to experience international-quality dance and musical entertainment. Queensland Ballet is one of only a handful of ballet companies across the world with permission to perform Kenneth MacMillan’s version of Manon – which sets the centuries-old French tale of seduction, love, greed, fate and survival to the music of Jules Massenet’s opera of the same name, plus a miscellany of other bits from overtures, ballets, obscure operas and incidental theatre music. It is a musical and visual sculpture by MacMillan that truly builds a classic piece. And, while you may not be inspired to seek out the original 1731 novel by Antoine Prévost, you will definitely not want to miss Queensland Ballet’s presentation, which will have only 12 performances. The production appears by special arrangement with the late choreographer’s wife, Lady MacMillan, who was in Brisbane for the premiere last night. Lady MacMillan has not only sanctioned the performance with her blessing, she personally oversaw finishing touches in the lead-up to opening night, and she has stated her support of the company, saying:  

“This company’s gone from something very tiny ... now it’s become an international company. Manon is something that needs to be done by large classical companies and not all of them get a chance to do it. I think Queensland Ballet’s proved more than once, it’s right up there with the big companies worldwide.”

Manon’s story is simple, with only a few lead characters – Manon (Mia Heathcote) and her true love, Des Grieux (Patricio Revé) whose love story is scuppered when Manon’s brother Lescaut (Alexander Idaszak) and his mistress (Yanela Piñera) who are already ensconced in the local high-class establishment run by Madame (Mary Li) see that Manon is sold off to the highest bidder, the rich but somewhat sleazy Monsieur GM (Vito Bernasconi) – but the production features a full company of dancers and a brimming orchestra pit, courtesy of the fabulous Queensland Symphony Orchestra playing live, led by Musical Director and Principal Conductor, Nigel Gaynor. And there is a visual feast from set and costume designer, Peter Farmer  (courtesy of The Australian Ballet) that transports you to the streets of Paris and the swamps of New Orleans. Everything is picture perfect from lighting design by Jacopo Pantanithe, staging by Julie Lincoln and Robert Tewsley, to the impeccable scene changes by the stage management team.

The choreography by Sir Kenneth MacMillan is from 1974, but has not dated one jot. It is absolutely superb in its succinct and emotional storytelling. The leads on opening night, Mia Heathcote and Patricio Revé made a wonderful couple, with many pas de deux for the audience to enjoy. The relationship is believable and very moving.

When Manon is dancing with her true love, her movements are free and natural; yet when she is seduced by Monsieur GM, she becomes controlled and restrained. It’s early evidence of grooming and manipulation and Vito Bernasconi makes a memorable villain.

As the supporting characters, Lescaut and his mistress, Alexander Idaszak and Yanela Piñera do a wonderful job of performing by-the-book survivors, navigating a murky world of gambling and money-grabbing, where more than one dodgy dealer gets his violent comeuppance. Epitomising the glamorous but ruthless figurehead to the corrupt empire is Madame, played with aplomb by the accomplished Mary Li – who is also the company’s Principal Répétiteur and Ballet Mistress – and it’s great to see Mary back on the stage relishing in her role.

Also making a stage comeback will be Artistic Director, Li Cunxin, who will play the unpleasant Monsieur GM for selected performances. This fulfils the dancer’s dream of portraying all the main male roles in this ballet across the decades in his career. It is tempting to book to see several performances of Manon because the lead roles rotate across the 12 performances. Manon will be danced by several Queensland Ballet stars: Mia (opening and closing night), Neneka Yoshida, Lucy Green, Chiara Gonzalez, and world-renowned ballerina Alina Cojocaru. And as well as Patricio, Des Grieux will be taken on by Victor Estévez, Joel Woellner, Alexander Idaszak. Other roles will switch as well, so check the cast list online.

The opening night performance saw a standing ovation from the capacity crowd. After the curtain calls, Li Cunxin took to the stage to thank the entire creative team. He also treated us to a surprise announcement: our lovely leads, Mia and Patricio, were promoted from Senior Soloists to Principal Artists. Both dancers were very surprised and elated: Mia’s family from Melbourne were in the audience, and Patricio’s family were watching live-streamed from Cuba. The future of ballet in Queensland is assured with the talent pipeline that the team at Queensland Ballet has established. Don’t miss your chance to witness their artistry in action.  

Beth Keehn

Photographer: David Kelly

Discover more:  https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/performances/2022/manon