Dorian Gray (Bourne)

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Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray is a contemporary dance adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray , by choreographer Matthew Bourne. The show made its debut in August 2008 at the Edinburgh International Festival and transferred to Sadler's Wells Theatre in London in September 2008. [1] The music was composed by Terry Davies for a rock quintet directed from the keyboard. The set and costumes were designed by Lez Brotherston. [2]

Contents

Modern setting

Various changes are made to the story, which Bourne sets in the modern fashion industry. In this setting, Dorian Gray is a model for a perfume promotion rather than the wealthy socialite of the original text. [3] A billboard poster for the advertising campaign takes the place of the eponymous portrait, whilst Gray's mentor Lord Henry is replaced by the alluring Lady Henrietta. [4] Cyril, a male ballet dancer, replaces Sybil, the actress who catches Dorian's eye in Wilde's novel. [3] In an interview with the Sunday Times , Bourne explained the relevance of the subject matter to a 21st-century audience: "The obsession with youth and wanting to look young has never been a bigger issue. And I’m interested in what happens to people when the camera is turned on them. People you wouldn’t look at suddenly become fascinating." [5]

Critical reception

Dorian Gray's run at the Edinburgh International Festival sold over 11,000 tickets, making it the biggest selling dance event in the festival's history. [6] Reviewers have generally praised the imaginative choreography, costume changes and staging. [7] [8]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Tony Grew (2008-04-03). "Bourne to debut Dorian Gray in Edinburgh". Pink News. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  2. ↑ Lynne Walker (2008-07-23). "The really Wilde show: Matthew Bourne takes on Dorian Gray". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  3. 1 2 Debra Craine (2008-06-26). "Matthew Bourne reworks Dorian Gray with looks to kill". The Times. London. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  4. ↑ Judith Mackrell (2008-06-12). "Because Wilde's worth it". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  5. ↑ David Jays (2008-04-06). "Matthew Bourne on Dorian Gray". The Sunday Times. London. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  6. ↑ Phil Miller (2008-08-22). "Bourne's Dorian Gray breaks Festival record". The Herald. Retrieved 2008-09-23.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. ↑ Mary Robb (2008-08-30). "Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray". MusicalCriticism.com. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  8. ↑ Sanjoy Roy (2008-08-25). "Edinburgh festival: Dorian Gray". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
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