Romance taken to new heights (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Romance taken to new heights

8:14am Wednesday 1st July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

As part of its 40th anniversary programme, Northern Ballet Theatre is reviving its acclaimed version of Wuthering Heights, bringing Emily Bronte’s masterpiece to the stage once more.

The production, a collaboration between composer Claude-Michel Schönberg and NBT artistic director David Nixon, takes inspiration from the classic novel, focusing on the powerful bond between Catherine Earnshaw and the foundling Heathcliff.

The ballet was first created in 2002 when Claude-Michel Schönberg, composer of hit shows like Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, contacted David Nixon within weeks of his arrival at Leeds-based NBT.

A productive meeting of minds left David “in no doubt that a ballet based on Emily Bronte’s passionate love story, would be a perfect vehicle for Northern Ballet Theatre.” He set about planning his first new work for the company.

Designer Ali Allen, who designed NBT’s Madame Butterfly, captures the windswept splendour of Yorkshire’s moorland, complemented by David Nixon’s striking costume designs. Lighting designer David Grill completes the creative team, conveying a landscape fashioned by relentless forces of nature.

The romance of the story led to a case of life imitating art for Claude-Michel who, during rehearsals for the original production in 2002, met Charlotte Talbot, then the company’s principal dancer. The couple later married. Charlotte, who created the role of Cathy, will return to NBT to lead rehearsals.

Wuthering Heights comes to Bradford this autumn as part of NBT’s 40th anniversary programme of past and more recent productions – its first mixed programme in five years.

Anniversary celebrations have included a tour of A Simple Man, dedicated to the memory of dancer/choreographer Christopher Gable, former artistic director of NBT, who played a significant role in the company’s history.

Based on the life and works of LS Lowry, A Simple Man opened in 1987 to celebrate the centenary of the Salford artist’s birth. The central character of Lowry was created by Gable and the production recreates the striking visuals of the famous paintings.

The anniversary programme also includes Angels In The Architecture; the Shades Scene from La Bayadere; Romeo And Juliet and a revival of Swan Lake. Dracula and Peter Pan will also be performed later this year.

And the NBT alumni returns to Leeds in December for a special performance of A Christmas Carol. Later that month, the company is holding an anniversary gala performance featuring excerpts from NBT shows.

“We have brought back three productions created during the period when Christopher Gable was artistic director, showcasing the dramatic abilities of the dancers to the full,” says David Nixon.

“The productions chart the company’s evolution. It’s important for younger dancers to appreciate the history of the company and the extraordinary legacy of which they are a part.”

Founded in Manchester in 1969, Northern Ballet Theatre was the first English ballet company based outside London. The narrative dance company, which has 40 dancers, is renowned for its distinctive blend of classical dance and theatre.

Wuthering Heights runs at the Alhambra from October 20 to 24. For tickets ring (01274) 432000. For more about Northern Ballet Theatre, visit northernballettheatre.co.uk

• Print
• Email
• Share