Mosfilm Studios, Moscow, early 1990s
Return of the Firebird presents film recreations of three of the most celebrated Ballet Russes premieres from Paris in the early years of the twentieth century. They are headed by The Firebird, whose performance brought the young Igor Stravinsky overnight fame. In this, as in the other two ballets, the lead male role is taken by the charismatic young Russian dancer, Andris Liepa, who also conceived the project and directs these films. Accompanying The Firebird is Petrushka (Stravinsky's next success) and Scheherazade, Fokine's ballet set to the popular score by Rimsky-Korsakov.
Both the original films (shot in Moscow's celebrated Mosfilm Studios in the early 1990s), and this DVD, were produced in Russia, with the DVD benefitting from gorgeously colourful animated menus. In addition, there is a 17 minute 'bonus' film, consisting of a compilation of on-set rehearsal footage.
Nina Ananiashvili - Firebird
Andris Liepa - Petrushka, Prince Ivan, Shakhriar
Ilze Liepa - Zabeida
Victor Yeremenko - Golden Slave
Gennady Taranda - Blackamoor
Ekaterina Liepa - Princess
Tatiana Beletskaya - Ballerina |
[ PAL ]