Ballett Zürich Presents “Anna Karenina” at Opening of Hong Kong Arts Festival
Schedule
Feb.23-24, 2018, 7:30pm
Feb.24-25, 2018, 2:30pm
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Center
“Real to me is the universal language of dance. It enables us to tell stories, move and inspire people in spite of any language barriers and cultural differences.”
Ballett Zürich’s “Anna Karenina” takes its place among the most memorable and dramatic interpretations of Tolstoy’s masterpiece. This production is set to stage at the opening of HK Arts Festival, supported by Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council.
Christian Spuck’s superb choreography retells Tolstoy’s timeless love story of Anna Karenina. With music by Rachmaninov and Lutosławski, stylish costumes, evocative and timeless sets and clever use of video projections, the ballet promises the audience an “all-encompassing theatrical experience”, as applauded by Dance Europe.
When forbidden passion clashes with the social code of 19th century Russia there can only be one outcome.
Tolstoy’s famous novel has inspired great stage productions and film adaptations, the latter starring Greta Garbo and Keira Knightley in the title role, and now this stunning ballet from leading European dance company, Ballett Zürich. It is one of literature’s most powerful romantic dramas.
Trapped in a dull and loveless marriage, Anna Karenina falls headlong for the dashing, pleasure-loving and overwhelmingly attractive cavalier, Alexei Vronsky. Reluctant at first and aware of the consequences, she finally gives in to his advances with tragic consequences.
From the ecstasy of erotic love to the dark despair, Christian Spuck’s superb choreography expresses a wide spectrum of emotions and contradictions of the human psyche. Anna’s fall from grace is rapid and cruel.
Music plays a vital role in this production with selected works by Rachmaninov accompanying romance and passion, while those of Lutosławski and other contemporaries reflecting bitterness and rejection with edgier sounds.
With stylish costumes, evocative sets and clever use of video, Ballett Zürich’s Anna Karenina takes its place among the most memorable and dramatic interpretations of Tolstoy’s masterpiece. This production has also been successfully staged by Norwegian National Ballet, Bavarian State Ballet and at the Stanislavsky Theatre in Moscow.
Ballett Zürich is now led by German choreographer Christian Spuck, who learned his craft at the John Cranko Ballet School in Stuttgart. He trained with top contemporary ensembles Needcompany and Rosas before joining Stuttgart Ballet in 1995 and becoming its choreographer in residence.
