Swan Lake: The tale of an enchanted princess

By Harindee Fernando

It was the year 1877, when the tale of a young girl named Odette was finally staged at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The composition of Swan Lake is believed to have taken place between the years 1875 and 1876 by the brilliant musical abilities of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, where magic and enchantment was brought to life with its famous score that is loved by all, even now. Despite its initial failure, the Swan Lake stands tall as one of the most popular ballets of all time. 

Shaped by Russian folk tales and fairy-tales like “The White Duck” and “The White and the Black Bride” by the Grimm Brothers, respectively, the ballet was not well received by critics who blamed the absence of professionalism among the performers as well as the costumes and décor which did not keep up to the expectations of the crowds that attended the shows. However, the basis of the narrated story has been slightly adapted from the German tale “Der geraubte Schleier” which translates into “The Stolen Veil”, by author Johann Karl August Musaus enabling it to explore the many cultural influences on the basic plotline. 

Time became the matrix that influenced the revision of the original Tchaikovsky score of Swan Lake. Since its composition, the score has gone through various changes over the years, landing on the Riccardo Drigo’s revision of the original score that is performed in the present-day theatre. Adding to the beauty of the score and choreography is the portrayal of the mystical creatures, witches, princesses, princes and villains in their magnificent costumes; Odette, standing out among all. 

Inspiration for the Queen’s costumes were borrowed from those of Queen Victoria while Odette was dressed to portray a swan in its glory; the colour white signifying the purity and kindness of the young princess. While some designers decorate Odette’s outfit in sparking crystals over the softness of its feathers of white, some prefer to hold on to the simplicity of it by excluding such extravagant accessories. 

Witnessing this marvellous piece of work is a rare occasion for many Sri Lankans. Therefore, the Russian Centre in Colombo has once again paved way for all ballet enthusiasts to join them with Natalia Permyakova Russian Chamber Ballet Troupe on 30 and 31 March, at the Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre, where fragments of world famous ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, Le Corsaire and Raymonda will be performed; an opportunity not to be missed!

Box plan is now available at the Russian Centre in Colombo, 10, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07.