The artistic legacy of Karel Hynek Mácha returns to the New Stage of the National Theatre in Prague once again. Poet's most famous work is transformed into a production choreographed by Václav Kuneš and will be performed under the direction of David Prachař by dancers of the company 420PEOPLE. Jan Kačer of the drama ensemble of the Prague's National Theatre is expected to appear in the rather unorthodox staging of the essential literary work of Czech romanticism as well.Authors David Prachař and Václav Kuneš present Mácha's Máj as a dance-drama concept that is in the current repertoire of 420PEOPLE, a company established rather in the field of contemporary dance, somewhat exceptional. Both artists, who perform in the adaptation of Mácha's work as well strived to align as many diverse artistic forms as possible there. Máj will be danced, played, sung and recited. Spectators can look forward to seeing familiar faces in non-traditional artistic roles.
To what extent are we really familiar with Máj? We all are likely to remember the first verse, and the final exclamation "Hynku, Viléme, Jarmilo!" But what else? "Who can really recall the content, particular details, capture the mood of this timeless work and realize the interpretations that it offers?", the creators of the production ask. Both of them claim they strived to treat the legacy of the legendary poem with respect. "We have been talking with David Prachař about some form of artistic collaboration for over three years now. David likes dance and movement in general, I am looking for other means of enriching contemporary dance performances," says Václav Kuneš on how their joint work started. Moreover,"the rhythm of the poem is quite dance-like. We do not seek to express the story through dance, but rather depict the atmosphere and mood of the original piece," he adds.
Both artist's paths already crossed last year at the closing ceremony of the 20th anniversary celebrations of Kylian Video Library in Prague. Kuneš and 420PEOPLE were in charge of the programme called Different Shores, a part in which took also David Prachař. For Václav Kuneš, literary themes have been the most common source of his choreographic inspiration, however, pieces of world literature have been his exclusive choice so far. The fact that he has now turned to a genuine Czech piece of literature somehow corresponds with both the artistic vision and the very name of the company 420PEOPLE. (a little hint - just imagine sign + before the numeral).
Source: 420PEOPLE
Photo: Pavel Hejný
Josef Bartos
Thank you for your thoughts. One got stuck in my mind – that passion makes us different from AI. Just yesterday I read…I am a dance critic. I am a member of an endangered species