Arts Review
Review: La Fille Mal Gardée
A love triangle set in the French countryside during the 1950s was brought to life on the Playhouse stage August 15th at QPAC for Queensland Ballet’s performance of La Fille Mal Gardee. Renditions of this captivating show have been presented around the world due to it having such an engaging storyline with this version drawing closely from the comical version which premiered in 1997.
Marc Ribaud’s quirky choreography had its own style, but would not have disappointed fans of the story as it translated well on stage and didn’t steer too far from the original. The cast performed against a charming backdrop of the French countryside in the 1950’s, accurately designed it even included a gorgeous vintage Vespa. The costuming by Lexi De Silva and appropriate lighting by Jon Buswell were paired with the detailed set design by Richard Roberts to create a visual degustation for the packed out Brisbane theatre.
The storyline leaves plenty of room for mischievous moments as a love triangle ensues between Lise, Colas and Alain; the son of a wealthy vineyard owner who is promised Lise’s hand in marriage by her widowed mother, Simone. The musical score and ballet choreography worked well together and kept a good pace for the humorous theme of the show. Laura Hidalgo and Victor Estevez were cast as the young lovers, the lead characters of the show (Lise and Colas). They provided much of the stand out ballet moments, Lise with her ridiculous leg extensions, amazing turnout and delicate feet movements and Victor performing numerous pas de deux with Lise. As the lead lovers they successfully created a romantic, whimsical atmosphere in the QPAC Playhouse bringing the audience along for the ride.
Key comedic scenes were the village worker’s chicken dance, and the clog dance performed by the Simone the widow mother. Moments like these were timed perfectly to keep the audience engaged as the love story progressed, and it showcased that it is not only the leads that can grab the audience’s attention. Overall the entire Queensland Ballet cast performed this rendition of La Fille Mal Gardee with grace, humour and professionalism; and having a live orchestra perform the entire night’s musical score assisted in taking the audience on an emotional journey throughout the story. It was a beautiful show and a night featuring incredible Australian talent.