Hong Kong Ballet gave a passionate and technically daring performance of Australian choreographer Natalie Weir's interpretation of the Giacomo Puccini opera "Turandot" at Northrop on Thursday night. But what is even more interesting is the unique character of the production itself — classic with a winning touch of camp.
Whether the serious fun is intentional, it certainly works.
The melodrama involves the smitten Prince Calaf's pursuit of the coldhearted Turandot, although by the end of the evening it's hard to understand what he sees in her beyond a chilly beauty. She murders dozens of potential suitors who cannot answer her riddles. She tortures to death Calaf's former lover, Liu.
Turandot's extreme acts are revenge for an ancestor's demise at the hands of a violent man, but Calaf finally ends her killing ways with a kiss.
Wei Wei (Calaf) and Liu Yu-Yao (Turandot) make for an elegant pair, with each vigorously interpreting Weir's intricate and sometimes acrobatic choreographic perspective. The same goes for the fleet-footed Liu Miao-Miao (Liu), who fully embraces the joy and tragedy of her doomed character. In many ways she is the soul of the tale, representing the purest love.
A chorus of 20 dancers moves as one breathing body, serving as shadowy mourners and graceful celebrants. This is a virtuosic and personable company, currently under the direction of Madeline Onne, who came to Hong Kong five years ago after leading the Royal Swedish Ballet.
Bill Haycock's set and costumes as well as Kim Lee's lighting all are worthy of mention. Turandot makes her first appearance wearing an icicle-like cloak while perched atop a large ball seemingly made of giant pearls. She looks like a particularly prickly Christmas decoration, and the stunning visual impact deserves applause all on its own. Later, Turandot emerges with a silver cloak that covers much of the stage — she is dangerously regal.
Another clever aspect is the use of see-through letters that the dancers manipulate to reveal Calaf's answers to Turandot's tricky questions. As the letters combine to form words, it feels like a particularly twisted take on "Wheel of Fortune."
Additional effects include shimmering curtains that change hues with the light and a festive shower of glitter at the show's conclusion.
A different cast performs Friday night.
Caroline Palmer writes about dance.
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