Le Corsaire Opening Night at the Coliseum

Following its Autumn tour, the English National Ballet's new production of Le Corsaire opened at the Coliseum last night. This epic, energetic Russian ballet is based on Lord Byron's poem Le Corsair, and tells the story of a dashing pirate and his love for the beautiful harem girl, Medora.
The set and costumes were designed by Hollywood film designer Bob Ringwood, (of Batman, Alien 3, Star Trek Nemesis, Ali and Troy fame), and are eye-catching and evocative.
Taking the lead as Medora last night was the wonderful Alina Cojocaru, and Conrad was danced by Vadim Muntagirov who was in truly heroic form. Conrad's devoted slave, Ali (the part made famous when danced by Nuryev) was danced brilliantly by Junor Souza, who was captivating to watch. Birbanto, Conrad's friend was danced by Yonah Acosta who put in an excellent performance, and Shiori Kase danced Gulnare, the Pasha's slave girl.
The corps was strong, and the male dancing in particular was quite stunning, I particularly enjoyed the Pas d'action with Alina (Mendora), Vadim (Conrad) and Junor (Ali) in Act II in the Pirates' Cave. The performance as a whole was thoroughly polished and immensely entertaining and enjoyable.
The ballet ended with a tremendous shipwreck and tumultuous applause, however the audience would have appreciated a few more curtain calls, there was a disappointed sigh when the house lights came up so soon.
The original poem by Lord Byron ends thus:
'Tis idle all - moons roll on moons away.
And Conrad comes not - came not since that day:
Nor trace, nor tidings of his doom declare
Where lives his grief, or perish'd his despair!
Long mourn'd his band whom none could mourn beside;
And fair the monument they gave his bride:
For him they raise not the recording stone -
His death yet dubious, deeds too widely known;
He left a Corsair's name to other times,
Link'd with one virtue, and a thousand crimes.
Photography by ASH.