Enthusiastic pooch in tow, Nureyev attends folk opera performance
A Captivating Canine Capers: "Nureyev's Dog" - A Spin on Elke Heidenreich's Novella
Some folks just refuse to fade into oblivion, and Rudolf Nureyev, the legendary ballet star, is one of them. Three decades post-mortem, his charm and vigor continue to sweep audiences off their feet. In "Nureyev's Dog," the spotlight shifts from the man himself to his loyal four-legged companion, a Rottweiler reincarnated with a twist. This family show, the creation of Peter te Nuyl and Keren Kagarlitsky, had its premiere at the Vienna Volksoper to thunderous applause.
This canine comrade had quite a journey. Born in the heart of the Soviet Union, it later found fame and fortune alongside Nureyev (1938-1993), the celebrated dancer and choreographer. After Nureyev's passing and his granting of Austrian citizenship in 1982, the dog was adopted by ballerina Marika Besobrasova, who was an essential part of Nureyev's life. Her students were even expected to bow to the dog!
Rising to the Top
Elke Heidenreich's 1999 novella, "Nureyev's Dog or What Longing Can Do," provided the narrative framework for the production you see today. Florian Hurler, who trained under Besobrasova in Monte Carlo and met Nureyev's dog, adaptated Heidenreich's work, teaming up with te Nuyl and Nastasja Fischer for the stage version.
The canine lead and the human narrator "Solor," brilliantly played by actor Florian Carove, kick off the hour-and-a-half-long family show. As Solor surveys the lively revelers at a Truman Capote-inspired New York soiree, complete with drag queens, the adventure begins. The fantastic set design by Christof Hetzer complements the vibrant tableau. "Are you coming, dog?" Nureyev (Sebastian Wendelin) inquires, leaving his pooch behind at the party.
Musical Mastery
The scene shifts from the Big Apple to the ballet studio of the most exacting ballet mistress in town (sung by soprano Ursula Pfitzner). Here, the dancers executing lifts, leaps, and pirouettes under her stern gaze make it clear why she's earned her reputation. The show then proceeds with Nureyev's departure and the eventual meeting of Solor and Marika, culminating in a heartwarming finale.
The bond between ailing Nureyev, tormented by illness, longing for his mother, and his unwavering dog, symbolized by subtle yet poignant movements, is the most moving element of the show. In contrast, Solor's provocative actions, such as lifting his paw at the piano or growling and drooling, bring a playful edge to the script. It's Solor's thoughts that help bind man and dog, as they grapple with the notion of freedom together.
The music chosen by Kagarlitsky propels the piece forward, integrating ballet music by Jacques Offenbach, George Gershwin's "An American in Paris," opera arias, Russian lullabies, and Tatar folk dances. The conductor of the People's Opera also contributed original compositions, like the orchestral accompaniment to Nureyev's monologue just before his passing.
A Whimsical Tail
As the curtain falls, we realize that even a large dog can dance gracefully, trotting and twirling with elegance. The search for personal fulfillment need never be abandoned. The enigmatic girl who appears alongside Solor remains a mystery, visible only to him. And how would Nureyev's real dog have reacted to the performance? As Solor reveals at the outset, "All animal stories are really about people, not animals." It's that blend of reality and fantasy that makes this production so entertaining. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show - a bow!
Follow this on Instagram!
- Despite losing his companion, Nureyev's dog continued its journey of fame, transitioning from the Soviet Union to the arms of ballerina Marika Besobrasova.
- The hour-and-a-half family show, inspired by Elke Heidenreich's novella "Nureyev's Dog or What Longing Can Do," humorously features a canine lead and a human narrator called Solor.
- In the production, the bond between ailing Nureyev, his dog, and the playful Solor is depicted through subtle movements, integrating the imagined world with reality.
- Movies-and-TV enthusiasts and entertainment lovers are welcome to follow the enchanting story of "Nureyev's Dog" on Instagram.
