The evening opens with a revival of Kylián's Falling Angels. Set to Steve Reich's intense and driving percussion, Falling Angels is a study about discipline and freedom, about belonging and the wish for independence, about performers and the art of performing.
Kylián's Petite Mort is perhaps one of the Czech choreographer's most sought after and admired works. Six couples dance literally on sword's edge to excerpts from Wolfgang A. Mozart's first and second piano concertos. Haunting images sear themselves into the viewer's mind and memory as Kylián explores the moment when extasy and passion bring us closest to death, humanity's constant companion. The Stuttgart Ballet dances this poignant work for the first time, a marvelous addition to the company's already considerable repertory by this world famous choreographer who began his career in Stuttgart.
Roland Petit's Le jeune homme et la mort is based on a libretto by Jean Cocteau and tells the story of a young artist who is seduced by death in the guise of an alluring woman to willingly lay his head in the noose and take his own life. With the Stuttgart Ballet premiere of this iconic 20th century ballet, the company dances a work by Petit for the first time and expands its repertory of one-act story ballets.
Falling Angels / choreography Jiří Kylián
Petite Mort / choreography Jiří Kylián
Le Jeune Homme et La Mort / choreography Roland Petit