“Svengali: A person who manipulates or exerts excessive control over another.”

The origin of the word we know commonly know as “svengali” is actually from a novel published in 1894 by George Du Maurier. In it, a singer named Trilby is captured by an unsuccessful musician, Svengali. Svengali manages to live a life of luxury by keeping Trilby under hypnosis, performing concert performances and living as his slave.

In 1931, this same plot line was adapted for film and now The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is bringing its world-premiere adaptation to Ottawa, at Canada’s National Arts Centre from January 26-28th. So far, the reviews have been glowing.

I’m really looking forward to seeing it, and I’d like to give you the chance to come along too.

This giveaway is for:

- Two orchestra-level tickets to see Svengali at the NAC on Friday, January 27, 2011 at 8 pm

To enter to win:

- Make sure you’re available to attend the show on this day and time

- Leave a current email address when you comment so that I can reach you if you win

- For one entry: simply leave a comment below

- For one extra entry: tweet the following: “I entered to win tkts to @CanadasNAC with @coffeewithjulie. U can 2!  http://bit.ly/uXIG2m #RWBSvengali”

  Photo: Amanda Greeen, playing Trilby, in RWB’s Svengali.

 

Please note that I’ve read this ballet is not intended for children and contains “adult themes.” The draw will take place on Sunday, January 15th at 8 pm. Good luck!

p.s. If you’ve never been to a ballet and you’re not sure if you’d enjoy it, I found this article — “The Body’s Possibilities,” by Alicia Mosier — helped re-spark my own interest in this form of dance.

Edited to add on January 16th: AND THE WINNER IS!  memyselfsarah – Congrats! I will email you with the details. Let us know how you enjoy the show!