Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to perform 'Swan Lake' with new staging

It’s been nearly a century-and-a-half since Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed the ballet “Swan Lake.” Today it’s one of the most popular ballets of all time.

So, why mess with it?

A production of “Swan Lake” by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is debuting next month and features new staging by artistic director Susan Jaffe to go along with the Tchaikovsky score performed by the PBT Orchestra.

This revised version of “Swan Lake” debuts May 6 and runs through May 15 at the Benedum Center. Though it contains certain innovations, it will stick to the original storyline.

“Swan Lake” tells the story of a beautiful princess named Odette who is cursed by an evil wizard named Von Rothbart. She lives as a swan by day, assuming her human form at night. When young Prince Siegfried witnesses her transformation from a swan into a beautiful woman, he realizes that the spell can only be broken if her true love swears his love and faithfulness to her.

However, Von Rothbart and his daughter Odile have other plans. One dancer plays the roles of Odette and Odile.

“I am incredibly exhilarated to present my version of ‘Swan Lake’ this May,” said Jaffe. “What I love so much about ‘Swan Lake’ is that it is the ultimate test of a ballerina’s powers, not only in character but in physicality. The dancer playing Odette-Odile must portray a wide emotional scope – from the softness and vulnerability of Odette to the attack of Odile, a femme fatale.”

Jaffe certainly would know. She first danced the role of Odette-Odile for American Ballet Theatre at the age of 19 and for 22 years straight, encompassing her entire career.

Though the story remains the same, Jaffe is definitely putting her own imprint on this particular production.

“There are many endings to ‘Swan Lake’ – mine is one of tragedy and redemption all at the same time because life is a dichotomy,” said Jaffe.