Sadlers Wells, London
May 16, 2024
Originally created in 2012 when it was nominated for an Olivier Award, choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s A Streetcar Named Desire for Scottish Ballet has become a firm audience favourite. It’s easy to see why.
It is the epitome of balletic storytelling. Not only are the dancers quite excellent dancers, they are consummate actors too. Tennessee Williams’ play, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, needs no introduction. Safe to say most people will know the story; and a very bleak one it is too.
There is something special about watching Blanche, danced superbly by Marge Hendrick, on her self-destruct journey in the language of dance, rather than words. Her performance was full of a pathos often lacking in a spoken rendition.
Photo Andy Ross
But there were excellent performances elsewhere too. Special mention must go to Claire Souet (dancing the role of Stella) and Thomas Edward (Mitch), for their outstanding dramatisations. And you can add in Evan London, Javier Andreu and Aaron Venegas.
The corps de ballet were perfection in their ensemble movement with not a step out of place. The way they accentuate the unfolding tragedy reminds one of a Greek chorus.
But the top accolade must go to Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Her choreography is nothing short of inspired. Rarely do we see dance creativity and innovation on this scale. From start to finish, movement and emotion are intertwined to tell Williams’ tale of moral degeneration. The choreography speaks far louder than words, as it does so, challenging the skills and techniques of the dancers without ever undermining them.
Combined with Nancy Meckler’s tight direction, it all made for an unforgettable evening. The set, by Nicola Turner, is beautifully bleak and unremitting, creative and intelligent, adding to the storytelling perfectly. Peter Salem’s music equally adds suitable bleakness, although perhaps just a touch too much. It was a relief when the on-stage radio played popular music from the period. That said, Robert Baxter’s conducting of the Scottish Ballet Orchestra was perfect.
Scottish Ballet’s A Streetcar Named Desire is one of those productions that people will refer to years later. A superb evening that sets new standards of expectations for everything to come.