Enthusiastic "Nureyev's Dog" performance at the folk opera
Woofing it Up at the Vienna Volksoper: Peter te Nuyl and Keren Kagarlitsky's Hilarious and Heartwarming Family Piece, Inspired by Elke Heidenreich's Novella
The ghost of ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev continues to mesmerize crowds, even three decades after his demise. In "Nureyev's Canine Companion," Nureyev cedes center stage to his loyal Rottweiler. This comedic and heartwarming tale of dance, loss, and friendship is performed with various music pieces and some killer pirouettes. The family-friendly spectacle by Peter te Nuyl and Keren Kagarlitsky had its premiere at the Vienna Volksoper on a Sunday afternoon, receiving rave reviews.
Nureyev's Rottweiler was, in fact, a significant part of his life. Born in the Soviet Union, Nureyev (1938-1993) fled to become a renowned dancer and choreographer, leaving an indelible mark on classical ballet in the 20th century. Following his death, Nureyev's Austrian citizenship and his dog were bestowed upon his longtime ballet mistress, Marika Besobrasova. There are whispers that she would occasionally have her students bow to the dog.
The Rise of Our Four-Legged Star
The dog was the main character in Elke Heidenreich's 1999 novella, "Nureyev's Canine Companion, or What Longing Can Do." Florian Hurler, who studied at Besobrasova's ballet school in Monte Carlo and knew Nureyev's dog, directed and choreographed this dance and music piece. Drawing inspiration from Te Nuyl's stage version and Nastasja Fischer's adaptation, this piece offers a delightful and engaging family experience.
Our canine protagonist and its human alter ego, "Solor," beautifully open the hour-and-a-half production. Solor surveys a lively, champagne-fueled New York soiree, complete with two eccentric drag queens, as he embarks on his journey. "Got your collar, boy?" Nureyev (Sebastian Wendelin) inquires, leaving his previous owners at the party.
Dramatic Twists, Memorable Musical Numbers
The story unfolds, moving from New York to Paris, to the studio of the "strictest ballet mistress of all" (sung by soprano Ursula Pfitzner). Here, the students struggle under her watchful eye, even as Nureyev, battling the early stages of AIDS, looks on. The tale culminates in the heartwarming union of Solor and Marika, bringing the story to a joyful close.
The most poignant moment of the show is the bond between the ailing Nureyev, wracked by sickness, nostalgia, and longing for his mother, and his devoted dog, whose minimalist actions convey equal suffering. Another memorable scene features Solor provocatively lifting the dog's paw at the piano, prancing through the park, growling, and drooling. It is Solor's thoughts that bring man and dog closer, as they contemplate freedom together.
A Musical Symphony for Man and Dog
Kagarlitsky's eclectic musical choices, including ballet music by Jacques Offenbach, George Gershwin's "An American in Paris," opera arias, Russian lullabies, and Tatar folk dances, add a lively, upbeat vibe to the production. Kagarlitsky also offers some original compositions, such as an orchestral accompaniment to Nureyev's heartfelt monologue before his passing.
A Canine Tale that Tells a Human Story
Ultimately, there's no denying that even a big ol' Rottweiler can perform with grace when trotting and spinning, and we should never give up our search for personal satisfaction. The enigmatic girl who repeatedly stands by Solor's side remains a mystery. And who knows what Nureyev's real dog would've thought of the performance? As Solor notes at the beginning, "All animal stories are really about people, not animals." And that's what makes it so entertaining. Especially in this case: A bow, my dear friend!
Check it out on Insta
Enrichment Data:- Rudolf Nureyev's Legacy: Nureyev's groundbreaking contributions to ballet, particularly his 1964 Swan Lake production with Margot Fonteyn, are well-documented. His choreographic skills were widely recognized, as evidenced by the numerous productions he created[1][2].- James Sutherland: A former dancer who worked with Nureyev at the London Festival Ballet, Mr. Sutherland offered insights into Nureyev-choreographed productions[5]. However, no connection to "Nureyev's Dog" was mentioned in the search results.
- The Rottweiler, once belonged to the famous ballet icon Rudolf Nureyev, today steals the show as the main character in the musical-dance piece "Nureyev's Canine Companion."
- Drawing humorously from Nureyev's lifestyle, the piece humorously explores the bond between the ballet legend and his dog, using various musical pieces as its basis.
- In one emotionally charged scene, the ailing Nureyev and his dog share a poignant moment that illustrates the depth of their friendship, using minimalist actions and body language to convey their inner emotions.
- Pet lovers and theater enthusiasts alike will find "Nureyev's Canine Companion" a delightful blend of entertainment and heartwarming family-friendly storytelling, expertly combining dance, music, and the power of human-animal connections.
