Swan lake mans up

An innovative version of the romantic ballet classic breaks with tradition by turning up the machismo several notches.

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake gives the classic ballet new wings, propelled by an injection of testosterone.

Since all the swans are men, there are no tutus, pirouette or pointe shoes.

It will be shown in Shanghai for 11 nights, plus matinees. The performances will be the version's China debut.

Tickets went on sale in May.

The production has won Lawrence Olivier, Tony and Astaire awards for Excellence in Dance on Broadway since it was created in 1995.

When a revival was staged at Sadler's Wells last year, the Daily Telegraph's critic Rachel Ward wrote: "Bourne's Swan Lake is witty, menacing, lyrical and wild. Its continuing success is a continuing inspiration. I am sure I won't be the only one flocking back to the theater for another viewing."

Bourne's Swan Lake is based on Tchaikovsky's musical masterpiece created in the late 19th century but tells a contemporary story.

The boldest change is that the all-male cast of swans clad in feathered pants presents a show that's aggressive, savage and virile in stark contrast to the ballerinas' traditionally elegant, romantic and delicate portrayal.

The prince in Bourne's Swan Lake is a melancholic young man with an Oedipus complex. He has his first encounter with the swans while sitting on a park bench, contemplating suicide.

He's attracted to, and inspired by, the wildfowl's beauty, vitality and freedom, and is especially infatuated with the lead swan. The lead swan enters the royal ball as a mysterious man who seduces every woman present, including the queen, sending the prince into a fit of insanity. (Some characters other than the swans, such as the queen, are women.)