Liam Scarlett's ballet 'Frankenstein' returns to the War Memorial Opera House, after a pause since its last performance. Artistic director Tamara Rojo has revitalized this collaborative piece with the Royal Ballet, which debuted in 2016. The forward-thinking choreography presents the Creature as a nuanced character struggling against societal exclusion. Principal dancer Wei Wang, experienced in the role, emphasizes the depth and complexity involved in performing the Creature. Despite some critical feedback on its narrative structure, audience response has remained overwhelmingly positive, promising a compelling revival of this Gothic tale in ballet form.
On the eve of Frankenstein's return, I spoke with principal dancer Wei Wang, who will be taking on his third round of portraying the Creature, the first in time in 2017, then as a guest with the Royal Ballet.
Scarlett and the principal dancers traveled back and forth between the City by the Bay and London so that everyone from the corps de ballet to the leads could be a part of the entire creative process.
Frankenstein is a co-production with the Royal Ballet that premiered May 4, 2016 at Covent Garden and at SF Ballet on February 17, 2017, with repeat performances in the 2018 season.
Despite lukewarm reception from critics, who cited an excess of subplots and focus on the inner workings of Frankenstein family, the ballet got an enthusiastic response from the audience.
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