Fall River Legend: A review by a ballet dancer of 20 years
Attending the revival of Morton Gould's "Fall River Legend" was a sensory overload of the most exquisite kind. As a ballet dancer, I find myself constantly seeking narratives that push the boundaries of classical ballet, and this 1948 masterpiece certainly achieved that.
The Music: A Symphony of Emotions
Gould's music, the beating heart of the ballet, was an audacious tapestry of emotion. The piece, scored for full orchestra, flowed effortlessly between soaring romanticism, gritty realism, and chilling tension. It wasn't just background music; it was a dialogue partner, intricately woven into the drama unfolding on stage. The delicate waltz in the first act, underscored by a hushed orchestral swell, beautifully mirrored the naivete and youthful hope of Lizzie Borden. The menacing brass motifs that accompanied the murder scenes, however, conveyed a stark terror that resonated deeply within me, and I imagine would have deeply impacted the audience.
There were moments where the music felt almost prophetic, building suspense before each act's climax. One particularly striking instance was the scene depicting the infamous ax murder. The ominous crescendo of strings and the percussion's sharp staccato rhythms foreshadowed the bloodshed that was about to unfold.
The Dancers: Choreographic Masterpieces
The choreographic choices for this ballet are nothing short of inspired. While it embraced the classical form, there was a stark, almost unsettling intensity to the movements, a reflection of the dark heart of the story.
The dancers embodied the characters with remarkable depth and nuance. Lizzie Borden, a character known for her stoicism, was presented with an ethereal grace, but with undercurrents of inner turmoil simmering beneath the surface. Her adagio, punctuated by dramatic pauses and lingering gazes, spoke volumes about the character's repressed emotions, revealing a complex, multi-faceted woman instead of a flat stereotype.
The choreography, at times, blurred the lines between grace and violence. The choreography of the murder scene was particularly chilling, employing contorted limbs and sharp, forceful movements, a dance of pure aggression that left me breathless and transfixed. It was masterful how the choreography managed to capture the brutality of the acts without becoming exploitative, rather, it focused on the visceral impact of these acts on both the victim and the perpetrator.
A Choreographic Masterpiece: More than a Tale of Blood
This is more than just a dance interpretation of the infamous Fall River murders. "Fall River Legend" is a psychological drama. There's a compelling, almost melancholic, aura about the ballet. While the tragic tale of Lizzie Borden unfolds, we witness the relentless pursuit of justice by the law and the enduring resilience of a community torn apart by an unspeakable act. The interplay of power and fragility within this ballet makes it a timeless piece.
- Lizzie Borden - Portrayal of a fragile femininity veiled by an ironclad stoicism, leaving a sense of both sorrow and mystery about the woman within. The movements were exquisite, exuding grace in the midst of internal struggle.
- The Villagers: A symphony of humanity - from devoted family members to frightened townsfolk and persistent investigators, the villagers gave life to the collective tragedy of a community forever marked by the terrible event.
The dance of Lizzie, as she prepares for her trials, her graceful steps infused with the tension of the unforeseen, resonated deeply, showcasing her trapped life in an oppressive and judgemental world.
The Verdict:
The revival of "Fall River Legend" is a triumphant success, a must-see for dance lovers and enthusiasts of American theatre alike. The unwavering energy of the dance, combined with the emotional depth of Gould's music, make this more than a performance. It is a visceral experience, a timeless narrative of societal upheaval and personal turmoil, which resonated on multiple levels. This production will stay with you, long after the curtain falls, serving as a potent reminder of the enduring human drama in the face of injustice.