Moravial Theatre Olomouc Ballet:

BOLERO

Bolero, in the choreography of Riccardo de Nigrise, describes the dynamics of life in society. His choreography is focused on everyday life and self-centredness in the society. Narcissism represents the battle between “I want” and “I have” in the spiritual life of a common man. Sometimes, this battle might have a fatal outcome.  Striving for perfection and success is the modern trend and social media fully support and spark this competition. The choreography tries to show the difference between a healthy and a negative, almost pathological, egotism. The “dance images” are arranged to awaken thematic associations. When you look into a mirror, each time you see yourself in a different light, because everybody interprets what they see. We should accept this fact and honour what is unique in each of us. De Nigris ‘message paints a possible way out of narcissism – self-reflection as well as social engagement, so that we learn how to act and empathise with other people.

Choreography: Riccardo De Nigris

CARMEN

Sensuality, passion, faith, and death — the artistry of Rodion Shchedrin’s work on Georges Bizet’s CARMEN lies in the combination of most dramatic elements with breathtakingly beautiful music, full of magical moments. From there I take the inspiration to create a vivid sequence of images.

The archaic roots of the storyline, which everybody knows, are expressed in a very direct way, easy to understand. The spectator is invited to witness great passions of love, always carrying fearful treats of death inside, which are revealed in the most charming moments.

I am aiming for the dynamic fusion of music, the physical expression of the performers and the movement qualities of sets, lights and costumes to create something extraordinary, to evoke a real, poetical and sensual experience of persons who go beyond the folkloristic context, universal and human.

Carmen is indomitable, stubborn, wild and vital as a bull. In Prosper Merimee’s novel the information about Carmen is diffuse: it is not even clear, if Carmen is Christian, Jewish, Mauretanian, demon, witch or “gitana”. Such as the origin of the story is diffused: CARMEN is a myth.

Choreography: Giorgio Madia