57 replies to this topic

[Angelique]

Natalia, on 18 March 2011 - 07:57 AM, said:

AND Filin is the one who had the great taste and good sense to schedule Yevgenia Obraztsova's debut as Odette/Odile (in a few weeks, at the Stanislavsky). For that alone, I'm cheering for Filin!

Obraztsova as Swan Queen???  Surely,  Natalia,  you are kidding.  Can't imagine a more, hmm...  how do I put it politely? Can't think of a dancer who is less suited for the role.  Perhaps Filin  was looking for a more down to earth, so to say, dancer?  In which case, Portman look-alike Osipova is bound to follow as Odette once Sergei warms up in his new role as Bolshoi’s AD.

[Fraildove]

And the battle lines are drawn...

I have watched this thread with extreme interest, as I have watched threads regarding the Mariinsky and Somova.

I have not commented thus far, but with the previous slight to Obaztsova I can no longer hold silent. Sergei Filin in inviting Obtaztsova to debut Odette/ Odile was one of the most endearing thing he has done thus far at the Stanislavsky. The misuse of her at the Mariinsky is one of the saddest things I have seen happen there. Having watched Alina's Swan Lake (she is a personal friend, thus I address her as such) on numerous occasions, unfortunately, I have continuously been at a loss. Sure, she has a tall, elongated body, but what else? She is a wonderful girl, and I like her very much in the more neoclassical roles, but I have never understood the idea of promoting her so quickly. I feel it has been a most unagreeable decision to the majority of audiences and critics, and a huge disservice to her. Had she been left to mature slowly, given the right coach, then maybe. But not yet.

Obtaztsova on the otherhand is one of the true jewels at the Mariinsky at the moment. Small, beautiful, and with an artistry that is astonishing, to me she is in the long line of delicate ballerinas such as Makarova, Sizova, Kolpakova etc. To call any one of them unsuited for Odette is ridiculous. Just because a ballerina does not fit into the current 'trend' does not make one unsuited for a role. Look at the rehearsal video. I have several friends, ex-professional dancers like myself, who have been waiting for her to have a chance at this role in particular. Filin was very smart to bring her to the Stanislavsky and to give her opportunities her parent company, for some reason, continue to deny her. She has a huge following of not only fans, but of ballet critics who adore her. The clean, pure technique she exhibits is a breath of fresh air.

And to the subject at hand, I am so happy for Sergei Filin. He is a most deserving candidate for the job. And it could not have happened to a nicer man!

[Drew]

I am still a little puzzled at Burlaka's departure--I just reread the opening of thread and Natalia's original report said that it was his wish. But that report took a long time to come to fruition and did so amidst the stickier situation the company faces now.  

The company I saw in London this past summer was simply brilliant and I was not alone in that opinion. And the recent scandal did not have anything to do directly with Burlaka. So I continue to be a little puzzled. If this was his wish, then has he anywhere given his reasons? If not, then what about his directing--say, his repertory/casting choices or personal leadership of the company, or relationships to the higher-ups--made it impossible for him to be 'allowed' to continue?

Yanin: one of the finest character dancers I have ever seen; Osipova and he together in Act II of Coppelia will go down among my all time ballet-going highlights.  Plus he must get some credit along with Burlaka for the marvelous state of the company I saw.  So...as far as the 'scandal' part of this goes, I can't help myself in either direction: I'm kind of curious and kind of would prefer not to know anything.

Filin: I remember as an elegant Romeo to Stepanenko's Juliet in Washington some years ago.  Certainly, to an outsider he sounds like a promising choice...

(Angelique:  I realize you were making a joke of sorts, but still...Osipova looks nothing like Natalie Portman...)

Edited by Drew, 20 March 2011 - 02:09 AM.

[Angelique]

Drew, on 20 March 2011 - 01:33 AM, said:

If this was his wish, then has he anywhere given his reasons? If not, then what about his directing--say, his repertory/casting choices or personal leadership of the company, or relationships to the higher-ups--made it impossible for him to be 'allowed' to continue?

Drew,  if we base our conclusions on Russia’s official press, former Artistic Director Burlaka wants to devote himself to what he loves most – restoring old ballets.

[Marcmomus]

Sergei Filin becomes new Bolshoi chief

http://www.theartsde...chief&Itemid=12

[Natalia]

Drew, a lot has to do with the backstage power of Grigorovich (and Grigorovich supporters doing his dirty work), I suspect. Burlaka was hoping to reconstruct the ca-1899 Sleeping Beauty (Gorsky's version, after Petipa) for next October's grand reopening of the main Bolshoi Theater but, instead, the existing Grigorovich version will be presented.

I agree that Yanin was (is) a wonderful character dancer! Not to belittle the alleged doings that got him booted out but, as many of you know, Russia is a place where sabotage and blackmailing are rampant. I would not be surprised if the photos were photo-shopped. Also, sadly, Russia remains a country full of 'homophobia' (homosexuality was crime until mid-1990s) and the nature of these photos played to these feelings. Altogether a very sad episode because Gennady Yanin is a spectacular artist. One would hope that he will be able to find employment outside Russia soon.

As I've said before:  Connect the dots to arrive at the truth.

[Angelique]

Cygnet, on 18 March 2011 - 09:01 AM, said:

This effectively shuts out the Vazievs (and by extension their pupil).   What a buzz-kill for them.  Makhar Vaziev's La Scala contract expires in 2012.

Not sure where the above logic leads,  but as it is, the position of Artistic Director of the Bolshoi had been offered  to Makher Vaziev first and foremost,  fact which *was widely reported in mainstream press.  Kudos to Mr. Vaziev for having put professional ethics first most and not breaking the contract with one of Europe's leading cultural institutions in the middle of the run.

Please view actual quotes here.

*Edited to replace "press release" with "mainstream press" and added link to the quotations from the press.

[Mashinka]

Quote

Obraztsova as Swan Queen??? Surely, Natalia, you are kidding. Can't imagine a more, hmm... how do I put it politely? Can't think of a dancer who is less suited for the role. Perhaps Filin was looking for a more down to earth, so to say, dancer? In which case, Portman look-alike Osipova is bound to follow as Odette once Sergei warms up in his new role as Bolshoi’s AD.

I find it astonishing that neither Obraztsova nor Osipova has yet danced Odette/Odile.  They are two of Russia's best and I thought everyone was awaiting their debuts with baited breath.

[Natalia]

Angelique, on 21 March 2011 - 07:52 AM, said:

..... the position of Artistic Director of the Bolshoi had been offered  to Makher Vaziev first and foremost,  fact which is supported by  numerous press releases of the day.  ....

What "numerous' press releases? The one (1) that you pointed out 'BOLSHOIGATE 2011" forum? One is hardly "numerous."  

[Helene]

Are there any official press releases from the Bolshoi that announced Vaziev as head of the Bolshoi?  If there were, I would expect them to be on the Bolshoi website and widely reported in the legitimate press, including press in Europe and NA.

Links to these press releases from mainstream press or official company websites, please. Fan sites are not official sources.

[Natalia]

Helene, on 21 March 2011 - 10:54 AM, said:

Are there any official press releases from the Bolshoi that announced Vaziev as head of the Bolshoi?  ....

None whatsoever. I believe that Angelique was using the words 'press releases' in a more general sense, to cover a statement in the press (an article in a newspaper) rather than formal press releases from the Bolshoi, so I continued her train of thought on 'press releases' but, no, there were none. The only formal press release appeared when Filin was named.  

[Cygnet]

Angelique, on 21 March 2011 - 07:52 AM, said:

Cygnet, on 18 March 2011 - 09:01 AM, said:

This effectively shuts out the Vazievs (and by extension their pupil).   What a buzz-kill for them.  Makhar Vaziev's La Scala contract expires in 2012.

Not sure where the above logic leads,  but as it is, the position of Artistic Director of the Bolshoi had been offered  to Makher Vaziev first and foremost,  fact which is supported by  numerous press releases of the day.  Kudos to Mr. Vaziev for having put professional ethics first most and not breaking the contract with one of Europe's leading cultural institutions in the middle of the run.

Well let's see if this "scans" for you.  There's was only one press release confirming Filin as the successor.  The others namely Moscow Times and Kommersant et.al. were speculative as to who might be chosen.  It is a fact that Vaziev's contract in Milan ends in 2012.  La Scala isn't really chomping at the bit to keep him; not after December's Somova Lake Fest, or his mis-handling of the MacMillan production of "Romeo & Juliet" last year.  His "leadership" was so outrageous, that MacMillan's widow, Lady Deborah MacMillan almost pulled it because of his ineptitude as well as his inability to deal with the theatre's unions.  Vaziev is the kind of man who would save face publicly by saying (and this isn't sourgrapes), "I have the other commitment; ergo I didn't really want it in the first place."  The Bolshoi didn't want pay for play, (pay for performance), a practice that was started by Vaziev and has been perpetuated by his successor Fateev.  After the Volochkova Era, and this recent bro-ha-ha the Bolshoi didn't want to go down that road, because that's precisely what they would have gotten if they had chosen him.

*Edited by Cygnet to remove hearsay.

[Angelique]

Helene, on 21 March 2011 - 10:54 AM, said:

Links to these press releases from mainstream press or official company websites, please. Fan sites are not official sources.

With pleasure:

Quote

Генеральный директор Большого театра Анатолий Иксанов на прошлой неделе заявил, что из множества кандидатов на должность он отдает предпочтение Махару Вазиеву. И это было предсказуемо: его репутация балетного интенданта безусловна благодаря 13-летней успешной деятельности в Мариинском театре. Но нынешний контракт Вазиева с театром Ла Скала действует до второй половины 2012 года, и он решил его не прерывать.

http://www.rg.ru/201...filin-site.html

... A very reputable publication,  I might add.  There are other,  of course.  

Now this:

Cygnet, on 21 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

   His "leadership" was so outrageous, that MacMillan's widow, Lady Deborah MacMillan almost pulled it because of his ineptitude as well as his inability to deal with the theatre's unions.  

Sorry to be so dense,  but why  on earth Deborah MacMillan  who resides in GB if I am not mistaken cares about union situation in Italy?  

Cygnet, on 21 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

Quite simply, the Bolshoi turned Vaziev's wish-list down.  He wanted to bring himself, his wife and Somova with him, in addition to the not yet Vaganova graduated little sister (Alexandra Somova) as a coryphee by-passing the Bolshoi corps.  

Cygnet,  will you kindly substantiate the above claims with relevant links, thus satisfying "no gossip" rule of the board?  Will be very much obliged.

[Cygnet]

Angelique, on 21 March 2011 - 11:50 AM, said:

Helene, on 21 March 2011 - 10:54 AM, said:

Links to these press releases from mainstream press or official company websites, please. Fan sites are not official sources.

With pleasure.

Quote

Генеральный директор Большого театра Анатолий Иксанов на прошлой неделе заявил, что из множества кандидатов на должность он отдает предпочтение Махару Вазиеву. И это было предсказуемо: его репутация балетного интенданта безусловна благодаря 13-летней успешной деятельности в Мариинском театре. Но нынешний контракт Вазиева с театром Ла Скала действует до второй половины 2012 года, и он решил его не прерывать.

http://www.rg.ru/201...lin-site.html  
... A very reputable publication,  I might add.  There are others,  of course.  

Now this:

Cygnet, on 21 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

   His "leadership" was so outrageous, that MacMillan's widow, Lady Deborah MacMillan almost pulled it because of his ineptitude as well as his inability to deal with the theatre's unions.  

Sorry to be so dense,  but why  on earth Deborah MacMillan  who resides in GB if I am not mistaken cares about union situation in Italy?  

Cygnet, on 21 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

Quite simply, the Bolshoi turned Vaziev's wish-list down.  He wanted to bring himself, his wife and Somova with him, in addition to the not yet Vaganova graduated little sister (Alexandra Somova) as a coryphee by-passing the Bolshoi corps.  

Cygnet,  will you kindly substantiate the above claims with relevant links, thus satisfying "no gossip" rule of the board?  Will be very much obliged.

No it's my pleasure, Angelique.  Lady MacMillan "cared" because Italy's union unrest last year greatly effected the new production of "R & J" she went down to Milan to oversee.  Lady MacMillan oversees all redactions of her husband's ballets, wherever they're mounted.  She owns the license and she can pull it at her discretion.  Vaziev was "MIA" through the entire process, especially in addressing her concerns with La Scala's unions.  This is just one
reputable source of that entire saga.  The publications in Italy were alot more colorful.
http://www.theartsde...scala&Itemid=29
On your last point, this is from today's Moscow Times which not only confirms (with finality as the city paper Filin's appointment), but also he speaks in his own words his concern about the Bolshoi's image, which I alluded to in my reply.
Iskanov may have desired Vaziev to take the job; but the last word comes from the Kremlin.  With the Bolshoi it has
ever been thus.  You brought up Vaziev's professional ethics; I clarified exactly what’ "Vaziev Ethics" means to certain Mariinsky principals and soloists whom I know personally.  As far as Somova is concerned, Vaziev has always had an agenda.  Over the last 7 seasons it's pretty obvious what that agenda is.  On the other hand, the truth has no agenda.  http://www.themoscow...tor/433381.html

[Angelique]

Thank you,  Cignet.  This makes a very fascinated reading,     However,  none of the links  offered address the following speculation of yours:

Cygnet, on 21 March 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

Quite simply, the Bolshoi turned Vaziev's wish-list down.  He wanted to bring himself, his wife and Somova with him, in addition to the not yet Vaganova graduated little sister (Alexandra Somova) as a coryphee by-passing the Bolshoi corps.  

Surely,  one must have a reliable source for making such bold statement, no?  Allow me to quote site administrator's own words:

Helene, on 21 March 2011 - 10:54 AM, said:

Links to these press releases from mainstream press or official company websites, please. Fan sites are not official sources.

Do "certain Mariinsky principals and soloists whom" one happen to know qualify as such?  And if they do,  who exactly are these "certain Mariinsky principals and soloists"?