The Climate Crisis Threatens Swans

Is a new take on Swan Lake possible? Yes, it is. Choreographer and French director Angelin Preljocaj merges the concern for the environment and climate change with the music of Tchaikovsky -introducing other short fragments of music to an abbreviated original score- for a version of Swan Lake that takes place among deposits of fossil fuels, future perforation platforms, and the passionate love which carries a banner for vindication of the environment.

Angelin Preljocaj was trained in Classical ballet before focusing on contemporary dance. He later worked with Merce Cunningham and Zena Rommett in New York. In 1984, he founded his own company and has since created greatly successful choreographies which have become part of the repertory of the great ballet companies worldwide. He updates this legend to our times and speculates that the lake -a metaphor for Classical ballet itself?- is in danger of extinction and must be rescued by adapting to the new environmental challenges.

After addressing Snow White and Romeo and Juliet, a daring Angelin Preljocaj picks up the gauntlet and presents a great classical in a profound revision as he transforms Princess Odette into a courageous ecologist. According to international critics, the result is a beautiful and brilliant spectacle that takes place in our times. yet never abandons the classical essence of Swan Lake. The ballet troupe of Ballet Preljocaj and its star performers demonstrate, once more, that this is one of the most sought after, applauded and exciting companies on the international circuit.

Premiere at the Comédie de Clermont-Ferrand on October 7, 2020.