Scottish Ballet's Mary, Queen Of Scots has powerful imagery and dance. Image - Scottish Ballet/Jess Shurte
Scottish Ballet’s Mary, Queen Of Scots is not a history lesson in tights, ballet shoes and crowns - it’s a bold, dreamlike dive into power, rivalry and memory.
This brave, imaginative and complex ballet which arrived at His Majestyt’s Theatre last night, retells the intertwined lives of Mary Stuart and her cousin Elizabeth I.
The story is mainly told through the memory of Queen Elizabeth, and Mary emerges as a woman of strength and vulnerability; her side told with dignity but without sentimentality.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, appears powerful yet haunted - a queen who cannot escape the shadow of her cousin, no matter how tightly she clings to authority.
The choreography shifts between sharp, jagged movements and moments of stillness, as if the stage itself can’t decide whether to fight or forgive.
The imagery is striking, in particular the use of shadows for dramatic effect works brilliantly and surreal touches like the use of a balloon to represent James, Mary's son, are simple but effective. I never thought I'd feel empathy for a balloon!
Mary, Queen Of Scots is a dreamlike dive into power, rivalry and memory. Image - Scottish Ballet/Jess Shurte
I found myself a little confused at times about what was going on and found myself wondering what Mary and Elizabeth would make of this modern balletic interpretation of their lives had they been in the audience.
I concluded that they would likely have loved the fact they had equal share of centre stage, but at times, like me, may have shifted uncomfortably in their seat, pondering this portrayal of their story.
The set is pared back but clever, shifting with ease between court, prison and memory. Its simplicity allows the movement to take centre stage while still creating atmosphere.
The costumes are particularly eye-catching - regal lines blended with simple contemporary detail, reminding us that this story is centuries old but still sharply relevant today.
The punk-like modern feel of the costumes is carried through into the music which is best described as intense and bold. The choreography beautifully fuses classical ballet with modern movement, and the dancers bring extraordinary presence to the stage with poise, strength and sensitivity. Faultless performances by all.
Royal rivalries are the backdrop to Scottish Ballet's Mary, Queen Of Scots. Image - Scottish Ballet/Jess Shurte
Scottish Ballet’s Mary, Queen of Scots is more than a retelling of royal rivalry through dance. It’s a modern portrait of power, legacy, and memory, with evocative design and a haunting, and at times hypnotic, musical score.
While I found it a little confusing and unsettling at times, all in all, it’s a bold and visually memorable ballet that I believe history’s most famous cousins would have found favour with.
Go along expecting an evening of powerful, imaginative ballet that challenges your mind long after the final bow, and you will not be disappointed.
Review by Shona Byrne
The use of shadows adds to the drama of the dance in Mary, Queen Of Scots. Image - Scottish Ballet/Jess Shurte