Dorian Gray (Bourne)

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]

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]

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See also

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. Debra Craine (2008-06-26). "Matthew Bourne reworks Dorian Gray with looks to kill". The Times. London. 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. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  6. Phil Miller (2008-08-22). "Bourne's Dorian Gray breaks Festival record". The Herald. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  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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