3 Works of Celebrated Artists to Wow Fans
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The Universal Ballet Company (UBC) is bringing three distinctive works, ``Black Cake,'' ``In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated'' and ``Variations Serieuses,'' to local fans, choreographed by some of the most celebrated artists in the world. This ``Modern Ballet Project'' is part of UBC's efforts in trying to bring modern ballet closer to the public.
``In order to bring the Korean ballet scene to the next level, we have prepared some works that will help the audience understand the movements and art of modern ballet,'' Julia H. Moon, UBC's general director, said at a press conference last week.
The Netherlands's living legend Hans van Manen of the Nederlands Dans Theater and Het Nationale Ballet choreographed ``Black Cake,'' to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the NDT in 1989. With the colorful choices of music including those of Tchaikovsky, Janacek, Stravinsky and Mascagni, ``Black Cake'' portrays the story of dancers invited to an elegant party at a wine bar. The piece reaches its climax after several sequences of couples dancing to music, drawing laughter from the audience as they get tipsy and wobbly at the end.
The 76-year-old ballet master celebrated his 75th birthday with a festival last year. For three weeks, the festival put 25 of van Manen's works on stage, a rare event for a living artist. This is the master's first work to be introduced to the Korean public and UBC is the first Asian troupe to perform his work.
William Forsyth's ``In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated'' will also meet fans for the first time since its premiere in Paris in 1987.
``Forsyth is known for his `deconstructing' choreography. I believe this work will be a challenge for the UBC dancers, as it requires energy and tension,'' said Moon.
With nine dancers dressed in simple leotards, the ``Middle'' will offer viewers a solid performance. The tight jumps, sharp and rigid footwork and movements will transform the delicate ballet dancers into strong instruments of dance.
Christopher Wheeldon's ``Variations Serieuses'' will present a more fun and lighter performance. Also dubbed as ``Backstage Story'' by the UBC, The stage will be decorated as the backstage of a theater, giving the illusion of watching the work from behind the stage. Visitors will have the chance to look into the backstage: dancers prepping up for practice, doing stretches and showing their true sides behind the curtains. The story revolves around a snobby principal dancer and her injury, which leaves the main role to a shy, diligent newcomer.
``It shows the everyday lives of ballerinas. It will be a fun and comfortable performance to watch,'' Moon added.
Wheeldon made headlines when he became the resident choreographer of the world renowned New York City Ballet at the age of 27. A favorite among dancers, choreographers and dance critics, he also participated in choreographing the works that appeared in the movie ``Center Stage (2000).''
``We want to help broaden the view of the local audience. The works will be full of expression, movements and diversity. I also believe that this will be a great chance to nourish future star choreographers in Korea as well,'' Moon said.
The Modern Ballet Project will be on stage Oct. 17-19 at LG Arts Center. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information visit www.lgart.com or call (02) 2005-0114.