The ballet of the National Opera of Ukraine is currently performing in Paris on the stage of the Théâtre des Champs Élysées for 17 performances. This is the first time the ballet has come out of Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion. Despite bombings, restrictions, power cuts, and their arrival in difficult conditions, the troupe performed Giselle, a romantic French ballet in two acts, composed in the 19th century by Adolphe Adam.
The kyiv Opera Ballet in Paris dances Giselle. A situation of normality that he had not known since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ten months ago. Vony Sarfati is the producer who, two years ago, programmed their visit. Not simple, dance in times of war.
” It is extremely difficult to be able to train. Obviously, there are a lot of power cuts and therefore, no possibility of being able to have the lights… The machinery did not work with the sets. But, they continue with their means, as they can, with restrictions of gauge, they can only have 500 people in the Opera because everyone must be able to have access to the shelters “, explains Vony Sarfati, at microphoneIsabelle Chenufrom the RFI Culture Department.
No Russian directory
The ballet should have danced Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, but the absolute ban on performing the Russian repertoire suffered no exceptions. And the conductor made the trip alone: We couldn’t bring in the orchestra first of all because you need special permits to get the men out. And the second thing is that the director of the Opera wanted to keep some of the artistic staff in order to be able to offer the soldiers, the people of kyiv, certain artistic performances ».
Vony Sarfati, producer behind the Ukrainian National Opera Ballet’s visit to Paris
Vony Sarfati, producer behind the Ukrainian National Opera Ballet’s visit to Paris
In Paris, despite the war, the Ballet of the National Opera of Ukraine wants to testify to a people still standing. The dancers are also keen to show that, despite the many hardships of the past year, they can still offer a high quality performance. ” Every overseas trip is of great importance to us now », explains the first soloist Serguiï Kryvokon. ” We have to be on top there, and we will show our level with pleasure “, he adds.
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