Korean National Ballet to feature Kylian’s iconic works
The Nederlands Dans Theater performs Jiri Kylian's "Falling Angels," which is scheduled to have its Korean premiere by the Korean National Ballet. Courtesy of Korean National Ballet
The Korean National Ballet (KNB) will perform pieces by famed Czech choreographer Jiri Kylian at the newly renovated GS Arts Center.
"Kylian Project," comprising three of Kylian's works, "Forgotten Land," "Sechs Tanze" (Six Dances) and "Falling Angels," will grace the stage from June 26 to 29, ready to captivate modern ballet fans.
Kylian, one of the greatest choreographers in modern ballet history, is recognized for redefining the flow of contemporary dance. He served as the artistic director of the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) for nearly 30 years, leading NDT to become a central force in the world of contemporary dance.
His works are regularly performed around the world and are known for their emotional depth and philosophical reflection. This Seoul production will present three of Kylian’s pieces that sensuously stage the multifaceted inner self and emotions.
Dancers perform Jiri Kylian's "Forgotten Land." Courtesy of Korean National Ballet
The KNB's second collaboration with Kylian, following the "Evening Gala" in 2019, is expected to not only bring the charm of contemporary ballet to Korean audiences but also to serve as a stage to showcase the breadth and depth of the KNB's contemporary repertoire.
"Falling Angels" is a group dance for eight female dancers set to Steve Reich's minimalist music, and will make its debut in Korea. Kylian, who once said "the female body and movement itself is dance," weaves multifaceted emotions such as confidence, anxiety, inferiority, humor and vulnerability into the choreography of the female dancers over intense percussive rhythms, demonstrating how the dancer's body itself can become language on stage.
"Forgotten Land," was inspired by Edvard Munch's painting "The Dance of Life" and is set to Benjamin Britten's Sinfonia da Requiem. This work, representing the foundation of human existence, is divided into three stages representing a woman's life. The emotions and the dynamics of love are expressed through choreography. Kylian’s signature delicate emotional lines come together in harmony.
"Sechs Tanze" was inspired by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Six German Dances" and satirically explores the duality of human existence and the irony of the times through six short and comical episodes. The white makeup, whimsical wigs, exaggerated movements and unexpected staging evoke laughter from the audience while also suggesting the possibility of philosophical contemplation through dance.