West Australian Ballet took a big swing when they commissioned the creation of Dracula. The production made its debut in 2018 and was fairly declared an artistic triumph. It has also proved to have remarkable longevity, with its fourth Perth staging currently in residence at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Bram Stoker’s tale of vampires is a Gothic horror classic, but here it brims with romance as much as danger. This modern ballet from choreographer Krzysztof Pastor is as enjoyable today as it was at its debut. Even if you have seen the work before, it remains exciting, captivating and visually rich.
The first half of the show follows Jonathan Harker as he travels to the castle of Count Dracula and makes a lucky escape from the vampire’s clutches. The second half is largely set in London, where darkness descends over high society.
Opening night saw Jurgen Rahimi take on the role of Young Dracula, while Ludovico Di Ubaldo performed the older incarnation of the character. Their interpretation conveyed a heightened sense of drama compared with some previous portrayals of the villainous role. Oscar Valdés once again danced the hero Jonathan Harker, while Nikki Blain performed the dual roles of Elizabeth and Mina.
The major roles were completed by Gakuro Matsui as Professor Van Helsing, Juan Carlos Osma as Dr Jack Seward, and Jesse Homes, who returned as the asylum-dwelling Renfield. Throughout the season, dancers alternate roles, meaning one night’s Dracula may appear as Jonathan Harker in the next performance.
Dracula was just as rewarding to see ow as when first arrived, let us hope it remains a staple of the company’s repertoire for may years to come.
Dracula is at His Majesty’s theatre until 30 May 2006.
