The next instalment of the ArtsAlive@Home initiative is set to deliver a stunning one-act Sir Kenneth MacMillan ballet, The Fairy’s Kiss, performed by Scottish Ballet. Bethany Kingsley-Garner stars in one of the lead roles of this production and will join viewers for a post show chat after the performance. Arts Alive are continuing to provide cultural experiences to communities in Shropshire and Herefordshire whilst theatres and performance spaces remain closed.
The ballet is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale ‘The Ice Maiden’ and was composed by Stravinsky in 1928. It is a relatively unique production because MacMillan’s original 1960 version for the Royal Opera House only ever had 33 performances due to its large scale. The Fairy’s Kiss requires a full orchestra, a full company, and the original production also required a considerably large set. That made it near impossible to perform any other works alongside it on the same evening. Thanks to an ingenious new design by Gary Harris, Scottish Ballet was able to revive the production in 2017 and capture it for online audiences.
Scotland’s national dance company celebrated 50 years of creative vision last year, and under normal circumstances would perform anywhere from remote communities in Scotland to international stages. They have always been forward thinking in embracing digital platforms to engage audiences to bring the power of dance to as many people as possible regardless of age, ability and background.
Arts Alive are asking audiences to enjoy the show from home, by collectively watching it online on Thursday 18th June at 2:30pm. After the show the audience can log in to a post show live chat with Bethany Kingsley-Garner, principal Dancer at Scottish Ballet.
The performance is suitable for all ages. To watch the show visit www.artsalive.co.uk, select The Fairy’s Kiss event and follow the link to the pre-recorded show. Email cerin@artsalive.co.uk to receive a private link to the live conversation after the performance at 3:30pm.
