The National Theatre, view from the Střelecký island.
Czech National Ballet 2024/25
“Central to our artistic vision is a commitment to providing audiences with a diverse repertoire that includes classical, neoclassical and contemporary works. We believe that offering a wide range of styles provides a rich and fulfilling experience for dancers and audiences alike. We strive to keep the repertoire balanced yet dynamic, from iconic classical ballets to cutting-edge contemporary works. We showcase the versatility and talent of the National Theatre Ballet's artists,” says Czech National Ballet’s Artistic Director Filip Barankiewicz about the new season.
The Czech National Ballet will present three full-length premieres and one evening of three choreographies in the 2024/25 season. It will thus present six choreographic works, four of which will be world premieres. It plans to continue its accompanying activities, with ballet workshops, signings and dramaturgical introductions available under the nd+ brand, building on the success of the first Dance On series. The 2024/25 season will continue to be marked by exceptional touring.
On 3 October 2024, the Estates Theatre will stage the world premiere of an original ballet choreographed by Czech creator Viktor Konvalinka, entitled The Sun, the Moon and the Wind - A Tale of Three Princesses. In a team with librettist Štěpán Benyovszky and composer Ivan Acher, they will adapt the fairy tale based on the motifs of Božena Němcová. The title is intended not only for children, the production will be multimedia, contemporary in expression - full of poetry and humour, necessary magic and lessons that can bring meaning to adult dreams.
Another work is also a world premiere, as it is an original adaptation of Rimsky-Korsakov's ballet Scheherazade, choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti. Another Italian creator Carlo Cerri is also invited to collaborate. The authors promise a ballet of visual qualities, with an oriental touch and a traditional story. The world premiere will take place on 28 November 2024 at the National Theatre.
MacMillan's adaptation of Abbé Prévost's famous novel about Manon Lescaut embodies the author's superb insight into human psychology and mastery of narrative choreography. A work of world renown and with a celebrated staging tradition, Manon is based on Sir Kenneth MacMillan's ability to express the urgent inner longing of fatal love through passionate duets. The Czech premiere will be staged on 20 February 2025 at the State Opera.
Contemporary dance is a sign of progress, pushing the genre, bringing experimentation. It offers a unique and topical view of the body in the context of modern times, often posing existential questions. This will also be the case in the production that will present works by three artists on 24 April 2025 at the National Theatre: Hans van Manen (choreography Sarcasmen), Andrei Kajdanovsky and Eyal Dadon (new works, world premieres).
Laterna Magika 2024/2025
Laterna magika is preparing two premieres for the 142nd season of the National Theatre. “After more than 20 years, both premieres will build on foreign collaborations with renowned directors who have completely unique approaches and visions in their field, which are in line with and reflect the principles of Laterna magika,” says Radim Vizváry, artistic director of Laterna magika.
The director of the first production of In Our Hands is Darcy Grant, an artist highly regarded in the field of physical and acrobatic theatre. He is one of the world's leading artists and his work defines contemporary circus art. He is a founding member of one of Australia's finest troupes, Circa, and is currently Artistic Director of Gravity & Other Myths. In Our Hands is a multi-genre project that builds on the repertoire of Laterna Magika while promising a progressive and innovative contribution.
Thomas "Thom" Monckton is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning performer and director from New Zealand who excels in the genre of non-verbal and comedic theatre. For Laterna Magika he will create Pluto, a production that will bring a lighter and more humorous look into a film studio founded by a group of oddballs. They boldly and enthusiastically enter the competitive world of the film industry, which they don't understand at all. By portraying a comedic story, Laterna magika will offer a genre it has not worked with before.
Source: divadlo.cz, National Theatre
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