"Mata Hari"

[Karl-G]

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The story of a Dutch woman executed by a French firing squad for allegedly spying for the Germans doesn't sound like the best plot for a ballet. But the Dutch National Ballet and its director Ted Brandsen have brought off a masterpiece. "Mata Hari" will stand with "Manon," "La Dame aux Camélias," and "Onegin" for its rich drama and superb dancing. (Mata/Margaret probably was used as a scapegoat for the French government and army; she was not an active or important spy.) The dancing is rich and colorful and delightful from the beginning to the end of the ballet. Included in the story and dancing are the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, Serge Diaghalev, and Isadora Duncan, as well as nightclubs in Paris and Jane Avril. The drama is powerful from the moment Margaret is abandoned by her parents, through her marriage, children, many lovers, career changes, and finally execution. This is all dramatized by motion and dance, not pantomime which is the Russian tradition. It is a wonderful ballet, and it is available free streaming until June 6 on the homepage of the Dutch National Ballet.

[+ nycman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAJHZiyIjs4

 

Like most Dutch things.....quirky, very beautiful, and occasionally incredible.

 

Unfortunately, I felt the cinematography was choppy and distracting.

 

I would love to see it live in Amsterdam. It looks amazing.