Minos
Dutch National Opera & Ballet - Theater Ballet Moscow
The initial inspiration for the work developed through the geometric patterns of labyrinths, which further led to a study of the ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur. These references enabled the discovery of a movement language based around a hybrid of classical ballet form. The development of the language became set by the rules within the piece itself. The intention of the movement carries no purpose to convey a certain message or singular idea. It simply needs to be observed by the individual to allow for an individual experience. Minos should be understood as a liberal viewing excursion where a number of cultural associations and references are on offer for the taking. The score of the work is a new collaborative arrangement of the existing piece by Ryuichi Sakamoto: ʻMerry Christmas Mr. Lawrence', rearranged by Sakamoto with the aid of Alva Noto. At times Sakamotoʼs piano composition takes the lead which drives the listener into a world of melancholic reflection; this is counter-balanced with Notoʼs padded bass stabs and individually pitched electronic frequencies which sign-post sudden changes and the ever growing inevitability of disintegration.
Choreographer Juanjo Arques Assistant Choreographer Charlotte Chapellier Music Ryuichi Sakamoto & Alva Noto Lights Wijnand van der Horst Costumes Oliver Haller Company Dutch National Ballet World Premier October 2010
“When the curtain rises, a male dancer stands in the middle of the stage with his back turned to the audience. A bright light shines on his upper body and arms, accentuating the lithe and fluid movements of his muscles. The lights grow brighter and reveal another intriguing image, that of group of women en pointe forming the walls of the labyrinth. They dance in different geometrical patterns and enclose the unwanted visitors inside the labyrinth”