Lest We Forget – reviews of ENB's 'ambitious' new ballets
New dance works commemorating WWI thrill many critics, but for some they trivialise the suffering
What you need to know A new mixed bill from the English National Ballet, Lest We Forget has opened at the Barbican, London. The programme presents new dance works by contemporary choreographers Akram Khan, Russell Maliphant and Liam Scarlett, commemorating the First World War.
Maliphant explores the sacrifice of lives in Second Breath, while Khan's work Dust explores the role of women in the war, and Scarlett's No Man's Land, conveys the sense of loss and longing for those left behind. A reworked revival of George Williamson's Firebird with a Stravinsky score completes the programme. Runs until 12 April.
What the critics like The English National Ballet's Lest We Forget is both "moving and ambitious", says Zoe Anderson in The Independent. It's Tamara Rojo's most bold and exiting move since she became director of the company, and Khan's Dust, is superb.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The theme of the First World War tinged the evening with melancholy, but "the overall impact was thrillingly uplifting since the works were simply so good", says Sarah Crompton in the Daily Telegraph. Scarlett's No Man's Land is a work of great intensity, and Maliphant's Second Breath is devastatingly effective.
"This is exactly the kind of shot in the arm that English National Ballet needs," says Debra Craine in The Times. Three of Britain's top choreographers have created ballets that ignite the repertoire with their passion and reach.
What they don't like The English National Ballet's "fatuous commemoration" of the suffering in Flanders is "War for Beginners", says Clement Crisp in the Financial Times. This is unspeakable suffering as souvenir, along with a revival of an inane company version of Stravinsky's Firebird, whose relevance defeats even ENB's eager casuistry.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
What is rock flour and how can it help to fight climate change?
The Explainer Glacier dust to the rescue
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: April 19, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
In what states is abortion legal, illegal, and in limbo?
In The Spotlight Where American states stand on abortion care
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published