Michael Talbot’s study of Juliet is inspired by the character in the classic MacMillan-choreographed ballet.
With this sculpture I attempt a synthesis of movements and light that are not any one rendering of a particular ballet movement or position but rather a fixed animation. MT
In Juliet, I was looking for an image seen in vulnerable elevation, to give some sense of the true wonder in seeing a dancer leave the stage and remain in the air, a seemingly effortless illusion created in story, told by dancers with music movement costume and light. The use of light and dark as a shifting motif is central to the composition, much of the ballet taking place at night giving the performers an illuminated jewel like aspect . I have endeavoured to echo this with in the Patina colour, which in a bronze sculpture is an especially challenging delight. MT
Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet was first performed by The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden in 1965 with Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn in the lead roles. The ballet has been at the heart of the Company’s repertory ever since, amassing almost 500 performances.
Juliet is in Price Band – D