The ballet Alice Through the Looking Glass is an original reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale through the lens of contemporary choreography. Choreographer Kateryna Kurman brings her unique vision to life, exploring the inner world of the characters through complex dance forms. The music, composed by Ukrainian artist Ivan Harkusha (John Hope), will accompany the premiere, set for November 30 on the stage of the ICCA “October Palace,” as announced by the Kyiv Modern Ballet Theatre.
In her work, Kurman—who authored the libretto, choreography, and staging—will explore the boundaries of consciousness and subconsciousness, revealing the inner world of main characters like Alice, the Queens, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee, Tweedledum, and others.
"Alice, to me, is not just a young girl; she’s a very strong personality who, despite her fragility, holds immense inner energy. She wanders through the labyrinths of her imagination, seeking stability and warmth amid constant ups and downs. Beneath her delicate exterior lies true strength, growing with each challenge she faces," Kurman shared.
Ukrainian costume designer Dmytro Kuryata will present an innovative vision of the stage imagery in Alice Through the Looking Glass, focusing on the contrast between reality and fantasy. Classical attire will be reinterpreted through surrealism, merging modern fashion trends with extravagant elements to reflect the paradoxes and distortions of Alice’s inner world.
"It’s important for me not only to create visually captivating costumes but also to ensure they are functional, emphasizing the choreographic line and allowing performers freedom of movement while embodying each character’s emotional and narrative weight," Kuryata noted.
Ukrainian composer Ivan Harkusha (John Hope) has crafted an exclusive musical composition for the ballet, combining vocals with acoustic and electronic instruments to create a unique avant-garde soundscape.
"My goal is to immerse the audience in worlds both real and imagined, to underline the characters’ moods, and convey the storyline through multilayered soundscapes and emotional highlights," the composer remarked.
Polyfunctional stage structures equipped with windows will create illusions like a moving train, a house, or a school. According to the ballet’s set designer, Danylo Vasylenko, lanterns on stage will produce the illusion of changing sizes through lighting.
“A transforming bench, which will shift functions, will add dynamism and flexibility to the choreography. The stage design’s functionality and versatility will highlight the symbolism and themes of the production, providing new possibilities for the choreography," Vasylenko explained.
The ballet *Alice Through the Looking Glass* is being created with financial support from the Kyiv City State Administration’s Department of Culture. A second performance is scheduled for January 26, 2025.
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