November 16, Wednesday, 6:30 PM

a ballet in 2 acts

Choreographer Kirill Simonov (Russia)
Music Director and Conductor Robertas Šervenikas
Set Designer Emil Kapeliush (Russia)
Costume Designer Stefanija Chanalda Graurogkaite

Emotional as much as it is conceptual, this contemporary ballet created by composer Anatolijus Senderovas and a young choreographer Kirill Simonov, is a third national work staged to the commission of the Vilnius Festival. Inspired by Shakespeare’s passionate drama, Senderovas’ music displays an inventive yet subtle orchestral palette and saturates the performance with mystery and enchanting beauty.

Following recommendations of the composer and the producers, Simonov took the liberty in retelling the classical tragedy in the voice of Desdemona, the more so that the company had an ideal candidate for the role, prima ballerina Egle Spokaite. Treating the piece as a dream, the choreographer sets out to put together episodes of impassionate intensity, yet occasionally independent plot- and meaning-wise, in a kaleidoscope-like manner. Even though not essentially new to contemporary dance, this dramaturgical principle seems absolutely plausible here, making for a compelling dance performance in two parts.

Première: 22 May 2005
Running time: 2 hrs