What is Glen Tetley's 'Pierrot Lunaire' about?

'Pierrot Lunaire' is a 1962 ballet that tells a stylized story of a moonstruck innocent named Pierrot, his awakening desires through an encounter with Columbine, and the intervention of Brighella, exploring themes of desire and repression.

What dance styles are featured in 'Pierrot Lunaire'?

The ballet features a blend of classical ballet's long, lean lines with the gravitational pull and tensed angles characteristic of Martha Graham's dance technique.

Who are the main characters in Glen Tetley's ballet?

The main characters are Pierrot, a moonstruck innocent portrayed by Marcelino Sambé; Columbine, who awakens his desires and is played by Mayara Magri; and Brighella, a dominant, manipulative figure embodied by Matthew Ball.

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Strange Allure: 'Pierrot Lunaire' Dances into Present

11 Feb

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Summary

Glen Tetley's 1962 ballet 'Pierrot Lunaire' is revived.
The dance blends classical ballet with Martha Graham's style.
The ballet explores themes of desire through stark iconography.

Strange Allure: 'Pierrot Lunaire' Dances into Present

Glen Tetley's influential 1962 ballet, 'Pierrot Lunaire,' has returned to the stage, resonating with contemporary audiences while retaining its historical significance. The production, performed at the Linbury Theatre, is a powerful revival that speaks to enduring artistic sensibilities.

Set to Arnold Schoenberg's challenging atonal score, the ballet draws from commedia dell'arte. It tells the story of the moonstruck Pierrot, his burgeoning desires triggered by Columbine, and the manipulative Brighella. The choreography masterfully fuses classical ballet's elongated lines with the grounded intensity of Martha Graham's technique.

Performances by Marcelino Sambé as Pierrot, Mayara Magri as Columbine, and Matthew Ball as Brighella are superb. They inhabit the work's psychologically charged mood, enhanced by striking face makeup and a sparse, evocative set. The dance is characterized by its clear, purposeful movement and striking visual metaphors.