Metamorphosis Titian

I went to the last of the BP Summer Screens in Duthie park tonight and I really enjoyed it! I think its an annual thing so if you get the chance I would recommend going next year.

Tonight they screened a ballet live from the Royal Opera House that was choreographed in connection with the National Gallery to celebrate the three Titian paintings that were recently saved for the nation.

Unfortunately due to 'technical difficulties' a lot of the first act buffered and stalled which did ruin it a bit, but that didn't detract from the incredible robotic tripod structure that was incorporated into the performance. It had a long arm topped with a light designed to respond to the movement of the dancers. I believe it was designed to convey the modern day reliance on technology, but I missed the explanation of how this related to the Titian works as I was too busy eating my picnic!

The second act was based on the painting 'Diana and Actaeon' and dealt with voyeurism and obsession. The set and costume design was stunning. The dancers wore simple leotards decorated with celestial symbols and moved in front of and behind 20ft mirrors that became slightly transparent when lit to reveal more dancers behind looking through. Dancers were also positioned on ledges looking down onto the scene below.

By the end of the 2nd act the weather turned against us and it suddenly became freezing cold so we made a speedy exit. It was a bit disappointing that I didn't get to see the final act but I guess I should have predicted a weather related set back at an outdoor event in Scotland. Perhaps a tip for next year- no matter how warm it is when you go, always take a brolly and a wooly pulley!