Spectators can look forward to a varied program consisting mainly of neoclassical and contemporary choreography, from Lithuania, Slovenia, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Photo: Rossini Ouvertures. Credit: Christiano Castaldi / Courtesy of NdB .
Brno, Apr 23 (BD) – This year’s DANCE BRNO festival, which runs from May 7th to June 24th in the Mahen and Janacek Theatres, follows on from last year’s successful DANCE BRNO 100. Among the companies staging productions this year are the Lithuanian National Ballet, the Slovenian National Theater Ballet in Maribor, the Italian contemporary dance ensemble Spellbound Contemporary Ballet, and the South Bohemian Theatre Ballet in České Budějovice.
First up, on May 7th, is Keys From Nowhere, a production of the South Bohemian Theatre Ballet in České Budějovice by choreographer Petr Zuska. This piece, which revolves around the interplay of two very different musical pieces by the great Czech composers Antonín Dvořák and Leoš Janáček, was inspired by Zuska’s visit to the abandoned house of his grandparents, which has been inhabited by a single woman for the past few decades, who later died in complete solitude.
On June 20th, the Lithuanian National Ballet of Vilnius will present Der Prozess, a ballet adaptation of Franz Kafka’s classic tale of one man’s individuality being confronted by a faceless system. The production is the debut feature from young Lithuanian choreographer Martynas Rimeikis, set to original music by Mindaugas Urbaitis and with a set design representing a monumental guillotine.
Next up, on June 22nd, it is the turn of choreographer Mauro Astolfi’s internationally-renowned Italian contemporary ballet group Spellbound Contemporary Ballet, who will stage Rossini Ouvertures. This piece is a dreamlike journey told through many memories and characters that tell the story of a man, lonely, cheerful, sad and brave, and inhabit a symbolic and mysterious structure, the secret house of Rossini, where the artist blends the tastes and colours of a busy life that is exciting, sensual and physical.
Closing the festival on June 24th will be a double performance by the Ballet of the Slovenian National Theatre in Maribor. First, they will present Hora [Mountain], originally created for the Dortmund Ballet by choreographer Edward Clug. The piece sees the choreographer turning to his native Romania for inspiration for the first time in his career, exploring the meaning of fateful events in our lives and the power of rituals in society, set to music by the Balanescu Quartet. This will be followed by Cantata, a piece choreographed by Italian Mauro Bigonzetti and set to music by the Gruppo Musicale Assurd. Originally created for the Lisbon ballet ensemble Gulbenkian (2001), Bigonzetti’s unique choreographic language, and his passionate and inner gestures reflecting the Mediterranean temperament, evoke a whole spectrum of emotions that celebrate the beauty of life in all its sensuality.
A festival pass is available offering entrance to all three June performances at a 25% discount.
The main organizer of the DANCE BRNO 2019 festival is the Ballet of the National Theater Brno, with financial support from the City of Brno, the Czech Ministry of Culture, and the South Moravian Region, along with the main partner of the festival, VARS.
When and where?
Keys From Nowhere, May 5th, 7pm, Mahen Theatre
Der Prozess, June 20th, 7pm, Janacek Theatre
Rossini Ouvertures, June 22nd, 7pm, Janacek Theatre
Hora / Cantata, June 24th, 7pm, Janacek Theatre
Official website: www.dancebrno.com
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