Chaos and Courage: When a Bomb Scare Interrupted swan Lake in Cork
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A chilling echo of robotic instructions – “Please evacuate the theatre immediately” – remains etched in the memory of one performer, recalling the night a 1987 performance of Swan Lake at Cork opera House descended into unexpected chaos. The incident, initially suspected to be a bomb scare that ultimately proved a hoax, underscores the unpredictable nature of live performance and the remarkable resilience of artists.
A Night interrupted
The evening began with audiences “lost in wonderment,” captivated by the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. but the enchantment was abruptly shattered when a metal fire shutter descended, plunging the stage into darkness.According to one performer, the abruptness of the event was startling. “It was a bizarre sight…dozens of swans took flight,” he recalled, describing the scene as dancers, still in costume, were ushered out onto Lavitt’s Quay in the biting November cold.
The interruption wasn’t merely a disruption of artistry; it was a jarring juxtaposition. while the orchestra’s music faded, stifled by the unfolding emergency, dancers in delicate tutus found themselves exposed to the elements. The performer noted his own costume offered more protection, covering him “from head to toe,” but acknowledged a surprising lack of panic amongst the company.
The Constitution of a Ballerina
This composure, the performer explained, is a hallmark of the profession. Pro tip: Ballet training instills incredible self-discipline and the ability to remain calm under pressure. “How many people do you no with careers that involve standing in front of a mirror for eight or nine hours a day judging themselves?” he asked, highlighting the rigorous self-discipline inherent in ballet.Joan Denise Moriarty, the company’s artistic director at the time, embodied this stoicism, displaying no outward sign of distress despite the unfolding events.
The immediate concern following the all-clear was the well-being of the prima ballerina, Coleen Davis. A chill could have jeopardized her ability to perform for the remainder of the week, but she persevered. A subsequent performance was added to ensure those evacuated had a second prospect to witness the ballet.
A Race Against Time
However, the rescheduled performance faced its own unforeseen challenges. A miscommunication revealed that principal dancers, including Hungarian ballet star Zoltán Solymosi, had flights to catch that afternoon. Cancelling a second time was deemed unacceptable.
In a remarkable display of adaptability, Professor Aloys Fleischmann, the orchestra’s conductor, accelerated the tempo of the music, unbeknownst to the dancers. This allowed the principal performers to complete their parts and depart for the airport. The result was a breathtakingly swift rendition of Swan Lake, completed in just an hour and 15 minutes – significantly shorter than the usual two-and-a-half-hour duration.
The iconic “dance of the cygnets,” renowned for its difficulty, was executed flawlessly despite the increased pace. The performer emphasized the beauty of the performance, stating it was “a miracle that it all went according to plan.”
A Lasting Passion
The experience did little to diminish the performer’s love for Swan Lake. Did you know? The “dance of the cygnets” is one of the most recognizable and challenging pieces in the ballet repertoire. “I’m still just in love with the story – if not more so,” he said, as the Cork City Ballet prepares to stage a new production in 2025. Joan denise Moriarty remained silent about the incident, but the performer reflected that it served as a potent reminder: “anything can happen in ballet.”
Cork City Ballet’s production of Swan lake will take place at Cork Opera House from November 6 – 8, 2025.Visit corkoperahouse.ie for more details.
