Swan Song

Before the film, we will be screening Arachnė: Arachné is a famous weaver. One evening, as she thinks of a negative review of her work, her questions and anxieties appear in the form of a double spider that she fights throughout the night.

Swan Lake is probably the most famous and most-performed ballet of all, yet how often do we get to look behind the scenes to see what goes into putting such a complex production together? Chelsea McMullan’s wonderful documentary gives us that bird’s eye view. It all started with Karen Kain, Canada’s most famous ballet dancer (who danced with Nureyev). She wanted to stage Swan Lake as her swan song, before retiring as Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada. From there, we follow the casting, rehearsals, private anxieties and inevitable hiccups, culminating in an opening night performance that is (spoiler alert) a triumph. As is the film.

SYNOPSIS:
An immersive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's leading ballet companies as it mounts a new production of Swan Lake. Ballet icon Karen Kain, on the eve of her retirement, directs the National Ballet of Canada. The film weaves together intimate scenes of the creative process and the dancers' personal lives. Executive Produced by Neve Campbell.

 

Details
Run time: 1h 43 mins
Certificate: 15
Director: Chelsea McMullan

Writer: Victoria Abolarinde, Chelsea McMullan, Sean O'Neill
Cast: Jurgita Dronina, Shaelynn Estrada, Karen Kain

Country: Canada
Genre: Documentary
Language: English