Review: NUREYEV, AN ENTICING AND WONDERFUL INTRODUCTION TO BALLET ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ at DeLaMar Theater

Nureyev by De Theater BV. Another daring and original piece, this time about famous Russian-Austrian ballet dancer and choreographer Rudolph Nureyev, of Tartar descent, played by dancer and actor Jan Kooijman. Jan started out his career as a dancer for the Scapino ballet, was in the jury for So You Think You Can Dance and later starred in films and series as an actor.

His Nureyev is a tortured genius, loving life and enjoying all aspects of it, while on the other side striving for endless perfection and never finding it. An interesting duality, where director Martin Michel hasn't made the role an easy one. The script by Allard Blom solely depends on Nureyev, from his own thoughts and desires to complete monologues. Besides that, we see Nureyev playing out dialogues in his head, a theatrical form which does need some time getting used to, as Jan does both ends of the dialogue. Wondering why the beautiful dancers couldn't have also portrayed the men and women in his life, as a way to relieve the burden? Maybe not through speech, maybe by movement and dance? It might have given some extra gravitas to the play.

That being said, the chosen form works. Jan gives Nureyev life through a layered performance, going back and forth through all ages, his performances and his love life. However, would have loved to see Jan as the young dancer Nureyev more, and see him dance some of the famous ballet solos and pas de deux for which he was known. The same goes for the coaching sessions Nureyev gives the dancers, it would have helped to understand his excellence and character. We see Nureyev coach the dancers throughout the play working on scenes of La Bayadère, but the moments pass a little too quickly.

Finally, the ballet dancers, Nehanda Péguillan as Nikiya and Kiran Gezels as Solor... one word: gorgeous.

Having never attended a ballet performance before, the one thing- and I must add, this is the greatest compliment- they leave behind is a strong desire to visit a full ballet performance. In a choreography by Rinus Sprong, they dance with such grace, control and flow, it's called the performing arts for a reason. A moving piece of art. Chapeau. Together with the swooning, elegant classical music by Pol Vanfleteren, what a wonderful invitation to see more ballet.

The scene about the island where he wants to live, speaking of perfection, this is it.The monologue, the decor, the music. Perfect.

In the end, Nureyev falls ill with AIDS, a disease which takes away all his energy, strength and resulting in his untimely death at age 54.

The final encore is most touching to see, from a dramatic angle. A genius is no more.

For more info and tickets:www.nureyev.nl

Photo credits: Annemieke van der Togt

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