Matthew Bourne's first new dance in 3 years is also his first "contemporary" piece. Dorian Gray is based on the Oscar Wild novel (the Picture of Dorian Gray). Completely sold out at Sadlers Wells (and the biggest ever selling dance performance at this years Edinburgh Festival). It tells the story of a good looking waiter who is discovered by a fashion photographer and who becomes the face of a new fragrance; Immortality.Set in the world of contemporary art, culture and politics, Gray becomes a part of this superficial world. Drugs, orgies and wild parties are mesmerisingly performed on stage, all using Bourne's cunning contemporary style. Making a pact with the devil to stay forever beautiful, Gray's life takes a dark, uneasy turn. This intriguing tale of good and evil, white and black, destructive beauty and the pursuit of pleasure are all too timely in today's climate of Winehouses and Dohertys.
The dancing is technically superb, the group work (such as with the photography scene in the first act) is excellent and typically Bourne but I feel he struggled with the narrative of the story. He seems to get lost in what else is happening rather than keeping to the main theme - which makes for some confusing viewing. Trying to be too literal will always be a problem in dance, a more abstract interpretation may have been more coherent.The smart rotating set by Lez Brotherston, helps the viewer see the two sides of the story, and seemingly "the other side" of the fashion world. The central swinging doors in between the two sides was used really well, as was the spinning Hirst-esque crystal ball. A lot has been written praising the set whereas I believe it was a bit lacking and felt a bit too monotonous throughout the whole performance. The music, composed by Terry Davies was an unsettling mixture of 70's post punk, Zappa-esque disco. It complemented what was happening onstage, and also enhanced the feelings displayed by the dancers.
Dorian Gray is a lot darker, and far more difficult dance to get a hold of than Bourne's other works. It's more cynical, and the laughs are few and far between. I've seen four of his New Adventures productions now and although I may not have enjoyed this one the most, I definitely found it the most challenging.
