Discover the brilliance of the iconic John Neumeier in this captivating double feature. The Glass Menagerie, inspired by Tennessee Williams’ poignant drama, showcases Neumeier’s extraordinary talent for storytelling through movement. At the center of this production is renowned ballet dancer Alina Cojocaru, who inspired John Neumeier to create the piece. Together with the acclaimed Hamburg Ballet, she delivers a performance that dances on the heartstrings and lingers in the soul. Complementing this masterpiece is John Neumeier – A Life for Dance, Andreas Morell’s intimate documentary that offers a glimpse into the passion and vision of one of the greatest choreographers of our time. This edition is a must-have for dance enthusiasts and lovers of profound artistic expression.
Dancemakers: Lar Lubovitch
The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company exhibits a characteristic New York vitality and energy. Their idiosyncratic style of movement is loose-limbed and athletic, with a casual exuberance that asks not to be taken too seriously. Music is often the catalyst for Lubovitch’s choreography, and this is demonstrated by the two works performed in this studio recording: Concerto Six Twenty-Two, danced to Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major K622, and North Star, to music by Philip Glass.
Satyagraha
From the Staatsoper Stuttgart 1983 Produced and designed by Achim Freyer, Satyagraha is conducted by Dennis Russell Davies. Glass’s opera evokes impressions of Gandhi’s years in South Africa and his development of the philosophy of satyagraha (a Sanskrit word meaning ‘love/strength’) as a political and revolutionary tool. The text is drawn from the great Hindu spiritual treatise, the Bhagavad Gita, and sung in the original Sanskrit – a sacred language which is no longer spoken. This device enhances the ceremonial quality of the work and complements the ritual atmosphere built up by Glass’s hypnotic music.
Wings of Wax
Jirí Kylián is a living legend. He is the creator of more than a hundred works, several of which form part of the repertories of some of the greatest dance centres in the world. Due to the choreographer’s extreme reluctance to engage in a documentary, this film is exceptional. For the first time one can have a real close look at Kylián’s life, his way of thinking and at his most significant creations. The fi lm was shot in Den Haag, Prague, Monte-Carlo and Paris.
The Glass Menagerie – A ballet by John Neumeier
Tennessee Williams established his reputation as a prominent American writer of the 20th century through his play The Glass Menagerie, a deeply personal family drama known as a “Memory Play.” Initially staged in Chicago in 1944, the work faced rejection in Hollywood before finding success on Broadway. In 2019, John Neumeier reinterpreted The Glass Menagerie for the Hamburg Ballet, incorporating elements from Williams’ life. The ballet featured music by American composers Charles Ives, Philip Glass, and Ned Rorem, along with snippets from Williams’ own plays. This adaptation marked 75 years since the play’s debut, showcasing the enduring influence of Williams’ work in different artistic forms. The themes of memory, family dynamics, and personal struggles in The Glass Menagerie continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, reflecting Williams’ lasting impact on the literary and performing arts scene.