BALLET
THE new production of Swan Lake at Covent Garden is most exciting. This four-act ballet has now been lengthened, enlarged and re-dressed, and it is greatly to the credit of all concerned that so familiar a work should have taken on this new and splendid lease of life. 1%1-mete de Valois, wisely ignoring the criticisms levelled against Leslie Hurry's original designs, had the courage to commission him again. Her faith has now brought its reward, for Mr. Hurry's costumes and sets are a triumph ; they have retained all the magnificence and personal characteristics of this brilliant designer but have shed his sometimes unsuitable and uncomfortable symbolism. The lighting by John Sullivan is also excellent, and the dramatic effects have made the whole ballet more explicit and telling. I liked the pas de six and Neapolitan dance, both arranged by Frederick Ashton, and my only criticism of the production is that the first act now seems rather overloaded. The additional number of swans really gives the illusion of a great herd of these birds swooping down from their flight to pause by the lakeside, and fluttering in fear around their princess when threatened with destruction.
Beryl Grey and John Field danced leading roles before Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother apd Princess Margaret at the gala performance. Miss Grey's beauty of line and certainty of technique are qualities which are now taken for granted ; it is that extra magic, emanating from complete identification with the role, that occasionally eludes her. John Field is dancing excellently ; his legs and feet and also his ballot: have improved out of recognition these past months ; he now needs very careful production in order to make gesture and mime more telling, for his interpretation is the weakest part of an otherwise fine performance.
Of the lesser roles, Pamela May brings great dignity and meaning to the Princess-Mother ; Svetlana Beriosova makes herself felt whenever she comes on to the stage ; and Anne Heaton is outstanding in the small part of the Peasant Girl. LILLIAN BROWSE.
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