© T Charles Erickson Photography
He was known to the world as one of the finest male ballet dancers. He revolutionized the way people regarded ballet in modern times and was an integral part of both the world of dance as well as pop culture of the 60’s and 70’s. He was Rudolf Nureyev and he is the subject of a new play that opened on Feb. 4, 2016 at the George Street Playhouse. “Nureyev’s Eyes” was written by David Rush and this production is directed by Michael Mastro. The play is about Nureyev’s relationship with the artist James (Jamie) Wyeth who produced some stunning paintings and drawings of the dancer. The production of the artwork is one subject explored. But the play also explores what transpired between these two men that overcame their differences and helped each one to learn more about themselves as artists.
The play takes place over a period of several years where Wyeth was trying to paint Nureyev. There are a variety of scenes that take place in Wyeth’s studio and home in the country as well as out at social events that allows the audience to better understand how difficult it was for the two to spend “quality time” together. Nureyev was well known for an incredibly filled schedule of dancing all over the globe and that is mentioned throughout the play. Getting time together is one issue, but the other is the demanding perfection each of these artists possessed to the point that at times, it hindered the progress of what Wyeth was able to produce.
© T Charles Erickson Photography
There is a very pleasant pace to this 90-minute production that invites its audience to feel like they are eye witnesses to the events as they are actually taking place. Watching a young Nureyev portrayed on stage causes one to see with somber feelings the appearance of him moving slowly with a cane in his last few months of life. However, the intensity of what each of the men share with each other and open up in the other does not diminish with that final scene. In fact, some of the true power of the show comes through as Wyeth acknowledges that the answers to what he was seeking were there all along in Nureyev’s eyes.
This is a two person cast so most critical are the performances of the two actors who portray Nureyev and Wyeth. Rudolf Nureyev is played by Bill Dawes and Jaime Wyeth is played by William Connell. Dawes captures many of the signature moves and expressions that were Nureyev trademarks. In fact, there were times when it seemed like the soul of the beloved dancer had somehow appeared on the stage. Dawes fully enters his character and shows both the narcissism and the ego as well as the kind and gentle side that Nureyev was known for. Connell displays his character’s struggles trying to overcome his over perfectionist personality in a quiet but continual progressing manner.
An interesting set was created for this play. It allows action to shift to become a different location very easily. It was built with numerous shelves and cubes that contain many unique objects that in a sense represent the art collections that Nureyev was said to have loved so much during his life.
© T Charles Erickson Photography
Those who remember the years of Nureyev’s reign in the dance world will enjoy seeing this play. Theater goers will also enjoy strolling through the George Street Playhouse lobby to see copies of some of the work that Wyeth produced during this time period. Also, be sure to listen to the music played before the show begins to hear memorable compositions that played as Nureyev danced such as when he portrayed Prince Siegfried in “Swan Lake.”
This show will play through Feb. 21, 2016. For information and tickets, visit the George Street Playhouse website.