After his acclaimed literary adaptations of »Carmen« and »Peer Gynt«, The Swedish choreographer Johan Inger now turns towards a story that has become a ballet classic in the performance canon and that represents another facet of the choreographer: “A Swan Lake”. The new production of the Semperoper Ballett asks profound questions such as: What influence do violence and manipulation have on interpersonal relationships? What role do personal freedom, respect and acceptance play in a romantic relationship?
BOVARY – A dance play by Christian Spuck
Christian Spuck’s first choreography as the new intendant of the Staatsballett Berlin is about the search for self-determination and showcases his choreographic signature: an interest in literary material, his love of darkly poetic imagery, as well as his ability to tell stories. “A triumph for the company, a brilliant moment of dance.” (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Mitten Wir Im Leben Sind/Bach6Cellosuiten
J.S. Bach’s Cello Suites are considered a milestone in the history of Western music. The title, Mitten Wir Im Leben Sind/Bach6Cellosuiten, (In the Midst of Life/Bach’s Cello Suites), comes from the opening words of a Martin Luther chorale: “In the midst of life, we are in death.” Placing the acclaimed cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras at the center of the piece, contemporary dance luminary Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker builds on her choreographic language, developed in tune with Bach’s musical one, to capture an affinity between the music and five dancers, of which De Keersmaeker herself is one. In a feat of physical endurance, the suites are played in their entirety, making this a rare chance to hear all six together.
Dona Nobis Pacem – A ballet by John Neumeier
„Dona Nobis Pacem“ – give us peace. This title is important to me, even at the risk of seeming naïve, pathetic or even pretentious to some. In light of the rampant irreconcilability in our world, this thought provided an important stimulus for me to engage with Johann Sebastian Bach‘s multi-layered composition. In my 50th season as artistic director, I see this creation as a great opportunity. It would be inconceivable for me to create a ballet with the Mass in B minor with another company. Something like this is only possible with a familiar ensemble, which the dancers of my company are in a unique way. (John Neumeier)
Sleeping Beauty – A ballet by Christian Spuck
In 1890, Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Marius Petipa, was premiered in St. Petersburg with Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s immortal music. In his version for Ballett Zürich, Christian Spuck revives the ballet classic in his own personal artistic style. He takes the old Sleeping Beauty story and scrutinizes every aspect of it. With a great deal of humor, Christian Spuck addresses the complex process of growing up, relating themes such as generational conflicts with one’s parents, the difficulties of becoming a mature adult, and, last but not least, love and sexuality. Whenever possible, he frees the characters from their traditional role clichés. Petipa’s version becomes a model that Christian Spuck occasionally cites yet repeatedly questions and counteracts with irony and occasionally irritating moments.
Carmina Burana by Edward Clug
Discover Orff’s Carmina Burana like never before, filmed during the 71st Festival Ljubljana – the SNG Maribor Symphony Orchestra and SNG Maribor Ballet perform this satirical stage cantata. With a fresh Slovenian touch, conductor Simon Krecic, choreographer Edward Clug, and a top-notch design team present a thrilling interpretation. Witness the power of 28 dancers forming a captivating circle in harmony with nature’s cycles.
Pushing Borders
The film Set in Motion accompanies choreographers Jefta van Dinther, Milla Koistinen, and Arno Schuitemaker, who react to new beginnings after a period of stillness in works specifically put together for this film. In their performances, they represent the changeable feelings that accompany the return from isolation to closeness: from fear to overcome, from curiosity to euphoria. Carefully, they unfold a return to mutual support and trust with the unifying expressive power of contemporary dance and show how dance can also be a celebration of life and joy. The three-part work was created in cooperation with euro-scene at Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig.
Winterreise: Ballet by Christian Spuck
Franz Schubert’s “Winterreise” is not only regarded as the zenith of Schubert’s song composition, but as the pinnacle of German art song in its entirety. German composer Hans Zender arranged the cycle in 1993 with the title “Schuberts Winterreise – a composed interpretation”. Zender’s version for tenor and chamber orchestra reveals the cycle’s potential to disturb, and approaches Wilhelm Müller’s poems in its own way. Like Hans Zender, Christian Spuck’s production, which was awarded the renowned «Prix Benois de la Danse» in 2019, undertakes a journey into the innermost self.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Ballet by John Neumeier
Choreographer John Neumeier created his version of Sommernachtstraum in 1977 and the piece has been a steady part of the Hamburg Ballet’s repertory. Proof lies in its unique and thoughtful, virtuosic approach to developing drama. After all, the complex mixture of musical layers would be worth a separate panel discussion. Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s atmospheric musical score for Sommernachtstraum reflects the world of the mortals, while Györgi Ligeti’s siren-esque organ pieces bring to mind the fairy kingdom depicted in Shakespeare’s play. The craftsmen’s dance is underlined by dominant opera paraphrases for the barrel organ which satirize even the noblest melodies. As with the musical layers, together with his stage- and costume designer Jürgen Rose, Neumeier mixes the historical settings cleverly. What would be more suited to the sounds of Mendelsohn’s score than a sweet Biedermeier set? An olive tree is a perfect symbol of the antique, mythology and fairy tales in one. John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream always has been a wonderful representation of an full-length classical ballet made in the ladder half of the 20th century, the 1970s in Germany.
The Nutcracker – A ballet by John Neumeier
Ballet master Drosselmeier takes Marie to the court theater, where she dances in new pointe shoes with cadet Günther—who gives her a mysterious nutcracker. John Neumeier’s touching choreography tells the story of saying goodbye to childhood. John Neumeier’s choreography tells the story of saying goodbye to childhood and growing up. In the course of the piece, the childlike Marie not only discovers the world of theater for herself, but also falls in love for the first time and matures into a young woman. John Neumeier’s unique version of this classic is a coming-of-age story and at the same time a tribute to the legendary ballet master and choreographer Marius Petipa, who brought classical ballet to perfection in the 19th century. The Hamburg Ballet dazzles with virtuoso elegance and opulent imagery – a Christmas fairy tale that gets under your skin.