(Photo by Karli Cadel)

Jacob’s Pillow a perfect fit for Edward Clug’s creative genius

BECKET, Mass - Radiohead’s alternative eclectic music has received high acclaim and their fan base stretches far and wide. So has the works of William Shakespeare. Choreographer Edward Clug masterfully has conjoined the music of Radiohead and the Romeo and Juliet narrative for a jaw-dropping sixty minute modernized telling through an active melodic dance.

Romanian-born Clug’s six performance stint at Jacob’s Pillow from July 1-5 was a perfect fit. Founded in 1933 by Ted Shawn, Jacob’s Pillow’s 161 acres includes historic buildings, beautifully landscaped grounds and generous hospitality from its diligent workers.

Never in my life have I seen such a take on something so concrete as in Romeo and Juliet. Baz Lurhmann’s vision as writer and director in the 1996 version of the classic was the closest resemblance, but furthest from style and uniqueness.     

The fluidity of motion adapted the modernized Shakespearian work into a beautiful take on a world renowned classic. Clug exemplified his dedication in every vigorous step in the telling of an age old story like we’ve never seen before.

“Ideoteque’, one of Radiohead’s most recognizable scores, was the highlight dance of the evening. As all six male performers embraced white masks as they fought for Juliet’s attention in two separate groups of warring, fast paced, mind-blowing story telling efficiency.    

Tujuana Krizman truly stole the show as Juliet. Krizman’s range and smoothness through the complexities of ballet and modernistic moves were an utter delight to witness.  

Alongside Krizman and Clug were five other equally as talented male dancers. Martjaz Marin, Sergiu Moga, Gaj Zmavc, Tiberiu Marta and Eugen Dobrescu. Together, this ensemble of dancers forcefully embodied first-rate steps matched with a passionate successful aberrant nature.    

Adapting to this complex style of storytelling for some time now, Clug’s special attention to lighting and video effects put a new spin on all things uncharacteristic and outright astonishing. Shades of classic film making dating back to Film Noir were evident and used to perfection.           

“This is a beautifully conceived production performed by sleek and gorgeous dancers,” said Ella Baff, Jacob’s Pillow Executive Director. “Edward Clug updates Shakespeare’s story while remaining faithful to what make Romeo and Juliet a classic – conflict, drama and romance. And a complex and intriguing score by Radiohead is the icing on the cake.”

As for Clug, he’s involved with Ballet Maribor, the national ballet of Slovenia, originating as a soloist in 1991. Clug has received acclaim for his works since 1996, when he choreographed the Theatre Maribor’s production of Babylon. Just seven years later, Clug was appointed head of Ballet Maribor in 2003.

Clug’s originality and attention to uncharacteristic story telling was unmatched by any other performance I’ve ever seen. I will be the first in line for future Edward Clug shows to see him engage in the unconventional molding of seemingly opposite ideas and mediums worked to perfection.

(Photos complimentary of Karli Cadel)