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King's Head Theatre, London, Kings Head Pub Islington Sun, 12th September 2010 - Mon, 20th September 2010 From £15.00*CHARLATAN is a lush, sexy and painfully revealing memoir of the life of Sergei Diaghilev, considered the 20th Century’s greatest impresario. Diaghilev created the Ballets Russes which he brought to Paris in 1909, inspiring a cultural revolution which still resonates through our culture today. Weaving a glorious tapestry, with sets by Picasso, music by Stravinsky and costumes by Chanel to highlight the best dancers in the world, there has never been anything to match this explosion of artistic expression. A wonderful exhibition of his theatrical achievements and still spreading influence is presently on view at the Victoria and Albert Museum. What you won't find there is a sometimes painful examination of his tumultuous love affair with Nijinsky, probably the greatest male dancer of all time. The memoir details this and also the dancer's ultimate descent into madness at a heartbreakingly early age. One reviewer in New York enthusiastically remarked on the selections of music that played softly behind some of the most vivid passages in this piece. There was no music. Only the words! Emblematic quote from the show: "On all of life's journey it is of the utmost importance to travel first class." THE CRITICS: ‘…brilliant evocation… superb actor… ranks with the best of the genre.’ MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE ‘…vivid descriptions that beautifully capture Paris Premieres.’ NEW YORK TIMES
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