The word 'journey' is oft-used these days, especially on reality shows, to highlight someone's epic emotional, often physical, plight over years or months - and an ability to overcome the odds.
It must be said, in this performance, the fraught journey of Charlotte Brontë's heroine, Jane Eyre, is perfectly portrayed - hers one of resilience, romance and redemption. This is a strong woman in the spotlight. Quite literally stepping from the shadows in the final moment to claim her story.
The well-loved Yorkshire-rooted story is beautifully and passionately brought to life in Northern Ballet’s critically acclaimed Jane Eyre currently at Leeds Grand Theatre.
This epic tale brings heart-stirring choreography and live music to capture the essence of Jane's timeless tale.
The set is sparse but stirring - taking us from dreary school room to a towering manor house and the sweeping Yorkshire moorland landscape. Costumes reflect the moodiness with the ensemble in muted colours, earthy shades and natural textures - aside from the costume contrast of the fiery red of raging Bertha, the hidden wife, and pure white in the bedchamber as Jane and Rochester find intimacy.
Young Jane's scenes as a child and in the schoolroom are regimented and unhappy. Then, as an adult, she arrives at Thornfield as governess and the connection with Mr Rochester is ignited.
There is drama, romance, jealousy and dark secrets. There is fire, menace and passion.
As adult Jane, Dominique Larose conveys a quiet and calm strength, her spirit overcoming all boundaries, be they in the schoolroom or at Thornfield, with its deep secrets. Joseph Taylor, as Rochester brings a brooding presence and the scenes between the couple move from wit to flirtation, passion to jealousy and ultimately understanding and tenderness.
It is fascinating to watch Jane and Rochester dance their power dynamic - she is no pushover and their sometimes combative movements reflect this.
The ballet company delivers strong and passionate storytelling with impeccable technique that is a joy to watch, especially by a Yorkshire audience so invested in this story.
The production was originally premièred by Northern Ballet in May 2016 and nominated for a South Bank Sky Arts Award in 2017. The ballet is choreographed by internationally acclaimed British dance maker Cathy Marston.
One of the delights is a score of original compositions and existing work compiled and arranged by composer Philip Feeney.
Cathy Marston says: "The Brontë's stories are inspiring to translate into dance because of their intense emotional journeys for the protagonists, the backdrop of landscape and elemental forces that seem to amplify these emotions, and in the case of Jane Eyre particularly, the range of wonderful soloist roles that add texture, depth, and warmth to the central narrative."
Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director at Northern Ballet adds: "What do we all love about Jane Eyre? Her resilience, determination and steadfast knowledge of who she is as she navigates a life filled with turmoil. Combined with her love story with Mr Rochester this story is perfect to be told through ballet, and in our Jane Eyre the dancing, sets, costumes and music fully immerse you in Jane's life. There is so much for any dancer to work with to encapsulate the layered characters and narrative created by Charlotte Brontë and even more for an audience member to enjoy in this beautiful retelling by Cathy Marston”.
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