The academic theater "Kyiv Modern-Ballet" is a Ukrainian modern choreography theater that focuses on developing a creative laboratory for contemporary dance. It features bold experiments, original interpretations of world-renowned theatrical narratives, and a refreshing approach to the forms and vocabulary of modern dance. The theater showcases a distinctive artistic style, with its repertoire and artistic priorities shaped by the vision of the choreographer. The project "Alice in the Looking Glass," directed by Kateryna Kurman, will enhance the theater's creative laboratory's sustainability and broaden the artistic explorations of young Ukrainian choreographers affiliated with the theater. Additionally, it will add diversity to the performances and choreographers who have previously staged ballets such as "The Vision of the Rose" (2014) and "The Seasons" (2014) by Oleksandr Rodin, directed by Oleksii Buzko, "Second Floor" set to the music of J. Blake, N. Frahm, and G. Santaolalla, directed by Anatolii Vodzianoi (2016), and the ballet journey "A Minute Before Christmas" with music by C. Saint-Saëns and "Carol of the Bells," directed by Serhii Kona (2023), among others.
A Story That Remains Relevant
Such is the case with "Alice in the Looking Glass" by Lewis Carroll. The ballet of the same name by the Kyiv Modern-Ballet is an original reinterpretation of the well-known fairy tale, unveiling new dimensions. At the heart of this contemporary ballet, "Alice in the Looking Glass," are the anxieties and dreams of adolescence, where reality disintegrates, giving way to the mysterious world of the Looking Glass—a realm of the subconscious. The ballet addresses themes of self-discovery, inner conflict, and personal transformation, intertwining the conscious and subconscious. It also prompts reflection on who our heroes are, and who we are in this world. "For us, it is important to delve into the inner world of the characters through contemporary choreography and visual metaphors, inviting the audience to embark on this journey to a world where fantasy and fairy tale acquire new meanings," says Radu Poklitaru, the chief choreographer of the Kyiv Modern-Ballet.
The choreographer, director, and librettist of "Alice in the Looking Glass" is Kateryna Kurman, a choreographer and leading soloist of the Kyiv Modern-Ballet. This is her first large-scale work within the theater. The production aims to serve as a vivid example of contemporary ballet, where choreography functions as a multidimensional language capable of reflecting the complex dynamics of the human psyche and its interaction with the surrounding world.
"My choreographic language will extend beyond traditional movements, focusing the audience's attention on the interplay of body, space, and emotions. Each dance element will not only portray action but will also serve as a visual metaphor for revealing the profound psychological states of the characters. I aim to explore both the external physicality of the characters and their inner worlds through a complex body dramaturgy," explains Kateryna Kurman. "In this production, I employ a comprehensive approach to movement, combining abstract and symbolic gestures with natural body reactions. This allows for the creation of a layered aesthetic that reflects the fracture of reality in the Looking Glass world. I pay particular attention to exploring the psychosomatic nature of movement, as this will help convey the emotional conflicts and metamorphoses of the characters through choreographic vocabulary."
The role of Alice in the ballet will be performed by the talented theater soloist Sofia Huseva, who will immerse the audience in the world of the fairy tale and the internal struggles and challenges of her character. Other characters appearing on stage include the Queens, the Mad Hatter, the Tweedles, and others, each possessing complex inner worlds.
A Much-Needed Performance
The innovation of the ballet "Alice in the Looking Glass" lies in the synthesis of several important elements: contemporary choreography, conceptual set design, costumes, and music. Notably, the musical aspect deserves special mention. The music for the ballet was composed by Ukrainian electronic music composer Ivan Harkusha (John Hope), providing an entirely new, avant-garde musical accompaniment utilizing electronics, ambient sounds, and traditional instruments. This combination endows the performance with a groundbreaking sound that emphasizes the characters' moods and creates a surreal atmosphere. Furthermore, this music deeply resonates with the psychological tone of the piece and reflects the realities of our present—continuous change, emotional strife, and the search for new forms.
"My goal is to immerse the listener in the worlds of the real and imagined, highlight the characters' moods, and convey the storyline through multilayered soundscapes and emotional nuances," notes Ivan Harkusha (John Hope).
This ballet is incredibly timely, as its themes—adaptation to change, self-discovery amid inner conflict, and societal turmoil—resonate with what each of us is experiencing today. Indeed, Ukrainian culture is currently undergoing a challenging period, and this ballet reflects the difficulties and transformations we face as a society.
The preparation for the performance, from the initial concept to its realization, took over a year. The creative team involved includes Kateryna Kurman as the librettist, choreographer, and director; Ivan Harkusha (John Hope) as the composer and creator of the electronic music for the ballet; Dmytro Kuryata as the costume designer; and Danylo Vasilenko as the set designer. Each of them contributed their unique energy and vision to the project. The team also engaged in extensive experimentation with choreography, set design, and music, ultimately leading to an extraordinary outcome.
Every stage of the work brought new discoveries, and one of the greatest challenges was to embody the psychological complexity of the characters through a synthesis of movement and music, striking a balance between abstraction and specificity. At the same time, these explorations opened up new possibilities in dance and choreography, allowing them to overcome limitations and create something truly unusual, magical, and mysterious.
The premiere of the ballet will take place on November 30, 2024, at the MCPCM (October Palace) in Kyiv, with a second show scheduled for January 26, 2025. Future performances may also occur abroad. This would be highly appropriate, as the production has great potential for an international audience, combining contemporary art with timeless themes that resonate with any viewer.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Art
Before the full-scale invasion by Russia into Ukraine, the Kyiv Modern Ballet had been known for its active participation in international projects. At present, its international activity has been put on hold due to current realities (the war in the country, the mobilization of men, etc.), which complicate this process. However, the theater team is actively working to represent Ukrainian contemporary ballet on the international stage. In any case, the theater continues its work in the realm of cultural diplomacy, which plays an increasingly important role in promoting Ukrainian culture and creating bridges between nations. The Kyiv Modern-Ballet not only performs traditional ballet shows but also presents new forms that integrate Ukrainian culture into the global artistic context.
In addition to the premiere of "Alice in the Looking Glass," the theater’s upcoming plans, as always at the end of the theatrical season, include a premiere by Radu Poklitaru. The theater relentlessly seeks new forms of expression and expands the boundaries of contemporary ballet by experimenting with ideas, forms, and staging. Its mission is to protect, preserve, and restore national identity through art, demonstrating that our art can be modern, dynamic, and global. "In the face of contemporary challenges, culture becomes the voice that tells the world about the Ukrainian people's aspirations for freedom, creativity, and self-expression," emphasizes Radu Poklitaru. "This is a way to preserve the memory of our past while simultaneously opening up new horizons. We have the opportunity to create unique works through art and to unite people around the ideas of freedom and human dignity." Indeed, this is true.
Victoria Shaparenko
Kyiv Diplomatic
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