REVIEW: GENTLEMAN JACK by the northern ballet
By Louella
Publishing by Mel
Gentlemen Jack’s tale of Anne Lister, a 19th century lesbian, comfortably seats the conversation of queerness into the world of ballet; lending a statement more profound than just evening entertainment.
Credits: Northern Ballet
The story follows the tale of Anne Lister, and her defiance in a society riddled in gender roles and restrictive environments, where the path for a woman was solely tied to their husband. Lister engages in leadership and lesbianism, all whilst wearing a top hat and fitted briefs.
These sophisticated and masculine costume choices, polished off the character of Anne with a smug-like and confident persona, able to seduce those she wished, and whip traditionalism out of its stern place. This role is portrayed by the dancer Gemma Coutts, whose strong acting, and emotional depth met the standard of her precision in ballet.
This story being presented through the language of ballet, where the technical skill set is typically seperated gender, was a refreshing look on such a traditional and meticulous dance style.
The dancers Gemma Coutts and Saeka Shirai, who play Anne Lister and Mariana Lawton, share an intimate pas de duex that captured the softness and hesitancy of an initial lesbian interaction, through the elegance of balletic movement.
This story being presented through the language of ballet, where the technical skill set is typically seperated gender, was a refreshing look on such a traditional and meticulous dance style. The dancers Gemma Coutts and Saeka Shirai, who play Anne Lister and Mariana Lawton, share an intimate pas de duex that captured the softness and hesitancy of an initial lesbian interaction, through the elegance of balletic movement.
The direction and choreography had a big chance of feeling inauthentic and censored due to the lack of lesbianism shown in entertainment, though this piece was subtle in its sensual connection, and yet unafraid to indulge in intimacy and sexual relations between the women.
Sharing such stories in these spaces also open up conversation of the long-lasting existence of queer women, especially to older and perhaps more conservative audiences, who are notorious for attending the ballet. Dealing with queer history through the artistic language of ballet, Gentleman Jack is a must for those who enjoy lesbianism, or just going to the theatre.
