REVIEW: BALLET BC @ THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

🎭 Ballet BC

📍  The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR

🗓 Tuesday 3rd June 2025

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HONEST AND HEARTFELT

Dance Consortium has brough Canada's BALLET BC to the UK where they are presenting a double bill of FRONTIER and PASSING, currently playing at Theatre Royal Plymouth.

During a post-show talk, the company's artistic director Medhi Walersji admitted that even though the word appears in the name, Ballet BC is not a ballet company! Rather, the pieces presented here were contemporary, though provoking, and deep. Although very different, they both allowed the audience to draw their own conclusions as to the unfolding narrative. I felt this was especially true of the first piece.

FRONTIER immediately sparked intrigue and wonder, as the curtain rose on a white figure who was then slowly engulfed with an assemblage of black figures. I loved the anonymity of the black-clad dancers. Seeing no faces or expressions meant that the focus was purely on the choreography, resulting in a deep engagement from the entire auditorium. Crystal Pite's choreography was captivating and worked alongside the lighting and music to deliver a spectacular piece of theatre.

Visually glorious, it was intriguing to try and work out what the meaning of the piece was, Were they simply shadows, did they represent one's inner demons, or something more sinister such as oppression. Whatever the intent, the emotional connection with the piece was somewhat unexpected.

The lighting design from Tom Visser is undoubtedly the finest I have seen this year. His understanding of the piece is obvious and his design masterfully complements and enhances the piece. The same can be said of the music by Owen Belton, who comprehends the power of silence and the atmosphere it creates.

The shading between light and dark which was woven throughout the piece was extraordinary. A thing of beauty from start to finish, I could feel myself edging towards the end of my seat as the piece moved towards its conclusion. The only thing I wanted was for it to be longer!

In comparison the second piece, PASSING choreographed by Johan Inger, started off very brightly lit, with the dancers wearing more colourful and jovial costumes. The piece was split into two parts, with the first seemingly celebrating love, family and community and had a real folksy feel to it. There were many laugh out loud moments as we see a mother give birth to 17 children (if I've counted correctly!) and we experience the joy of kith and kin in what is almost a celebration of humanity.

As the piece progresses a transition happens as ash begins to fall, engulfing the stage and the dancers. Gradually the mood changes and the colourful clothing disappears. As the performers move in a more melancholy manner wearing only flesh coloured underwear, we are reminded of the fragility of mankind and just how vulnerable we are. The closeness between the community remains but all elements of joy and celebration disappear and all that is left is survival and existence.

Again there were some extraordinary moments in this piece, and the live singing was unexpected and powerful, but in contrast with FRONTIER I actually felt that PASSING was perhaps too long. Certain sections became a bit repetitive and my focus began to fade. Overall I did really enjoy it but felt it just needed trimming slightly. This was my only real negative of what was a phenomenal night of dance.

The pieces were danced by the full company of performers from BALLET BC - including their rising stars - alongside four Rambert School students. The dancers were outstanding. Their skill was exemplary and absolutely blew me away. Their synchronicity and flow was astonishing, with each member of the company shining.

What a privilege it is to see incredible international companies such as this on the South West stage. This is all thanks to Dance Consortium, who do incredible work and bring world class performers to the UK. You can find out more about the work they do here. BALLET BC are now on my radar, and I am eager to see more from them in the future. Click here to head to their website and to learn about them, their creatives and dancers.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.

My ticket for this performance of Ballet BC was gifted by Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

COMPANY:

Artistic Director: Medhi Walersji

Choreographers: Crystal Pite (Frontier); Johan Inger (Passing)

Performers: Luca Afflitto; Emily Chessa; Sidney Chuckas; Emanuel Dostine; Imani Frazier; Michael Garcia; Orlando Harbutt; Eduardo Jiménez Cabrera; Kiana Jung; Pei Lun Lai; Benjamin Peralta; Sarah Pippin; Vivian Ruiz; Rae Srivastava; Kaylin Sturtevant; Jacalyn Tatro

Emerging Artists: Nathan Bear; Emma Kuusela; Joziah German; Kelsey Lewis;

Rambert School Performers: Rory Clarke; Lottie Hawkins; Zia Husbands; Olivia Lerjestad;

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 45 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Loud music; Mild adult themes

AGE GUIDANCE:

8+