Choi Tae-ji, the artistic director of the Korea National Ballet Company, announces the lineup for 2010 during a press conference last week in central Seoul. /Courtesy of KNBC |
Staff Reporter
The Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC) is preparing an eventful year with new lineups, including a debut in one of the leading ballet nations in the world, Russia.
``We had a successful year in 2009, thanks to ballet lovers, and we are seeking more opportunities to perform in Europe this year,'' the troupe's artistic director, Choi Tae-ji, said during a press conference last week.
One of the most anticipated events for the troupe this year will be its debut in Russia.
While the Bolshoi Ballet plans to visit Korea for a collaboration of ``Raymonda'' by famed choreographer Yuri Grigorovich in September, the KNBC will perform ``Romeo and Juliet'' at the Bolshoi Theater in October in return. This is the first time for the Russian theater to invite foreign dancers to star in a major work. The performance was organized to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Korea-Russia diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, the national troupe will stage seven performances this year, more than the five staged in 2009.
Along with the usual repertories, including ``Swan Lake'' and ``The Nutcracker,'' KNBC will stage modern works, including ``Cinderella'' and ``Tchaikovsky'' to the audience once again.
The two modern pieces, choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot and Boris Eifman, respectively, were popular with ballet fans last year, with dramatic storylines, simple costumes and stage settings.
``Korea rarely stages performances during the start of the year. In terms of ballet, there are no shows for a while after staging `The Nutcracker' at the end of the year. But we have prepared these two works to break the mold,'' Choi said.
``Cinderella'' features a more simple and dramatic storyline than the famous fairy tale, focusing on not only the pretty female character, but also her mother, father and two sisters.
Russian choreographer Eifman brings the life of famous composer Tchaikovsky to the stage with `` Tchaikovsky,'' from his sexuality to his alter ego and musical traits.
Along with the two distinctive works, the company will also put on ``Triple Bill'' by French choreographer Roland Petit from July 15 to 18. It is comprised of three works: ``L'Arlesienne,'' ``Le Jeune Homme et La Mort'' and ``Carmen.''
Choi explained the choice of performing ``Triple Bill'' by saying that she wanted to stage yet another work from a legendary choreographer like Maillot and Eifman.
``Staging such a performance proves the superb abilities of our dancers,'' she added.
Petit is one of the most famous dancers and choreographers in the world, thanks to his innovative ideas and provocative styles. For the local performance, the crew of the repertoire will visit Korea to offer the exact same atmosphere and stage setting seen in France.
The KNBC will also continue their efforts in trying to bring ballet closer to the public.
The troupe's ``Ballet with Commentary'' has been one of its most popular pieces ever since its first staging in 1997. This April and May, ballet lovers will get to watch ``Coppelia'' by Seoul Ballet Theater's resident choreographer James Jeon. The tale of the life-size doll will come back to life through commentaries and inside scoops by the choreographer and dancers themselves.
``We just hope we do a little bit better than last year. I want the dancers to be humble and work on their dancing just a bit more. I will be working on getting great choreographers for them,'' Choi said.
``Cinderella'' will be staged from Jan. 29 to 31 while ``Tchaikovsky'' will be put on from Feb. 2 to 7. Tickets for both performances cost from 5,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 587-6181 or visit www.kballet.org.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr