Press Release: Ballet with bite: Northern Ballet’s Dracula returns to West Yorkshire Playhouse

[Jan McNulty]

Ballet with bite: Northern Ballet’s Dracula returns to West Yorkshire Playhouse
 
This autumn prepare for a performance with a dramatic bite that will leave you thirsty for more as Northern Ballet resurrects Dracula at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Created by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Nixon OBE, Dracula returns exclusively to Leeds from 5 – 13 September 2014.
 
Last performed by Northern Ballet in 2009, Dracula is an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s legendary novel first published in 1897. The ballet reveals the tormented world of the immortal Count, a creature who should inspire repulsion in every living thing but has instead seduced countless generations with his mesmerising sensuality. This dark and sinister tale is played out through Northern Ballet’s unique blend of dance, gripping theatre and gothic sets and costumes.
 
David Nixon said: ‘The popularity of Bram Stoker’s Dracula has not only outlived its author but also gained popularity and many new interpretations. What would you give to live forever rather than facing the unknown of death? To what ends are we prepared to let our bonds of friendship and love take us? These are among the questions that fascinated me when I approached the ballet.
 
Dracula is often viewed as an evil, preying character but he knows love and will act upon it. All creatures need to be loved and Dracula is no exception, the love he shares with Mina transcends the boundaries of good and evil.’
 
David Nixon’s choreography and costume designs are complemented by Ali Allen’s set designs which bring the Gothic style of Victorian England and the mysterious medieval world of Transylvania to the stage. Music by Alfred Schnittke, Arvo Pärt, Michael Daugherty and Sergei Rachmaninov complete this spectacular tale of love and immortality.
 
If you think you know what to expect from ballet, think again. Dracula will take you on a dramatic journey as the hunter becomes the hunted. Tickets for Dracula at West Yorkshire Playhouse are on sale now at wyp.org.uk or by calling the box office on 0113 213 7700. Age guidance 12+.
 
-ENDS-
 
Notes to Editors
Northern Ballet is one of the UK’s five large ballet companies. Based in Leeds it performs throughout the UK as well as overseas. Northern Ballet’s productions mix classical dance and theatre, embracing popular culture and taking inspiration from literature, opera, or giving a unique interpretation of popular classical ballets.
 
Northern Ballet is the busiest touring ballet company in the UK and is typically on the road for around 24 weeks of the year. The Company of 40 dancers tours a combination of new works and established repertoire to cities throughout the UK and is the only large scale ballet company to do so.
 
Visit northernballet.com for more information on the Company and tour. Production images and information are available via the online media centre.
 
Production credits
Choreography & Direction David Nixon OBE
Set Design Ali Allen
Lighting Design Tim Mitchell
Costume Design David Nixon OBE
 
Dracula – Tour Dates 2014
Leeds, West Yorkshire Playhouse                           
5 – 13 Sep 2014                                                
Box Office 0113 213 7700             
wyp.org.uk
On sale now
Age guidance 12+
 
Dracula – A Step Closer Events
Leeds, West Yorkshire Playhouse
Post show talk  - Fri 12 Sep 2014              
30 minute talk on the Company and production, delivered by a member of the Artistic Team.
Free to ticket holders.