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 Ballet by John Neumeier
Music |
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Jean Sibelius
"The Storm" op. 109, No 1 and 2
Symphony No 1 e-minor op.39
"Lemminkainen" op. 22, No 2 and 3 |
Choreography
Staging
Set |
|
John Neumeier |
Costumes |
|
Silvia Strahammer |
1 intermission - 2 hours 30 min.
World Premiere
 The Hamburg Ballet, Hamburg, December 12, 1982
| Original Cast |
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King Arthur |
|
François Klaus |
Merlin |
|
Max Midinet |
Guinevere |
|
Colleen Scott |
Lancelot |
|
Kevin Haigen |
Elaine |
|
Gigi Hyatt |
Morgane |
|
Lynne Charles |
| Mordred |
|
Gamal Gouda |
| Ygerne |
|
Beatrice Cordua |
| Uter Pendragon |
|
Steven Majewicz |
| Galahad |
|
Jean-Jacques Herment |
New Version
The Hamburg Ballet, Kampnagelfabrik
Hamburg, April 4, 1986
| Original Cast |
|
|
King Arthur |
|
François Klaus |
Merlin |
|
Max Midinet |
Guinevere |
|
Colleen Scott |
Lancelot |
|
Johannes Kritzinger |
Elaine |
|
Gigi Hyatt |
Morgane |
|
Chantal Lefèvre |
| Mordred |
|
Gamal Gouda |
| Ygerne |
|
Beatrice Cordua |
| Uter Pendragon |
|
Stephen Pier |
| Galahad |
|
Jeffrey Kirk |
This ballet to music by Jean Sibelius (and others) is based on the English middle ages saga of King Arthur. A thorough study of interpretations, both philological and psychological, as well as the very complex genealogy surrounding this epos, has led John Neumeier, not only to a full and detailed libretto, but to what one could term, a choreographic poem.
The story's structure does not unfold chronologically, but takes autonomous turns where the imaginary is just as important the real.
The exposition of this myth and its archetypes centers on King Arthur, who wishing to bring a just and peaceful order to the a world beset by violence, is able to maintain this for only a short period. His Kingdom falls into ruins and anarchy as he is overthrow by his son Mordred.
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 Photos
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