Cape Town City Ballet opens 2018 with a bang, presenting a ground breaking adaptation of Alexander Pushkin’s short story Mozart and Salieri.
Marc Goldberg, the acclaimed choreographer of The Vortex, has combined a classical story with 21st century design to bring a cinematic experience to modern ballet as it has never been seen before. Digitalising the sets yet retaining the silhouettes of the 17th century, this world premiere promises to be a lot more than just beautiful dancing.
The story made so famous by Sir Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus follows the rumoured rivalry of Mozart and court composer, Antonio Salieri, who was challenged greatly on meeting Mozart. But the ballet is not just a story of political intrigue and envy. We also follow the love story of Mozart and Constanze, their meeting, marriage and the subsequent children they have, beautifully depicted within the palace gardens.
Another exciting facet to Goldberg’s adaptation is his exploration of what it might have been like to create such a prolific body of work by 35, as Mozart famously did. Sweeping scenes depicting Mozart within his own creative process add a layer to the story not previously explored.
Design, 3D mapping and dance
Exquisitely crafted costumes by separate designers and projected stylisation of the Schonbrunn palace and other beautiful locations, frame the ballet company in this two act ballet, performed to many jewels of Mozart’s extensive repertoire. Three years in the making, this new production boasts sumptuous visuals with 3D mapped projection and exciting dancing.
If you have ever felt that perhaps, ballet wasn’t your thing, Mozart and Salieri will make you rethink what you know about ballet in South Africa.
The story is by Alexander Pushkin with music by Mozart. Design, concept and choreography is by Marc Goldberg, lighting by Dennis Hutcheonson, and costumes by Jenny Stretch and Kathryn Maclachlan. Animation and projection is by Pieter Steyn, with Jay van den Berg providing production assistance.
What: Mozart and Salieri
Where, when: Artscape from 7 to 17 February, 2018
Read: Behind the scenes
Book: www.computicket.co.za
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