martha wainwright to reprise seven deadly sins role

Brecht & Weill’s dramatic ballet returns to the Royal Opera House

Great news if you missed Martha Wainwright’s original turn in Will Tuckett’s interpretation of Kurt Weill’s ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’ back in April/May 2007, the Canadian singer will reprise her role as Anna in a revival of the Royal Ballet performance that won her huge praise first time around. But she doesn’t just stand there and belt out Bertolt Brecht’s demanding satirical libretto, Martha actually does a great job of getting involved with the choreography. It’s not the easiest show to follow as it hurtles through nine different scenarios – one for each of the deadly sins, plus a prologue and epilogue – in little over half an hour but thoroughly enjoyable even to a total ballet chanté novice like me.

As it’s such a short performance, the ticket price (£30–£60) also includes performances of Mats Ek’s ‘Carmen’, a “witty and subversive” interpretation of the classic story of “the carefree gypsy who brings turmoil to the life of her lover Don José”, and a revival of Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘DGV: Danse à grande vitesse’, which premiered in 2006. The massively energetic score by Michael Nyman is a musical tribute to the French high-speed train the TGV, weirdly enough.

Shows run from January 31st to February 21st, with a total of six performances. For more information and to book tickets, visit the ROH website.

31.01.09 2:00pm, 7:00pm
06.02.09 7:30pm
19.02.09 7:30pm
20.02.09 7:30pm
21.02.09 7:00pm 

Alan Pedder