The Estonian National Opera will premiere the ballet production “Forsythe & Looris” on Friday, November 28, bringing to the audience a top work by world-famous choreographer William Forsythe and a fresh, socially critical stage story by the artistic director of the Estonian National Ballet, Linnar Looris.
The first part of the production, “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated”, is a key work by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, which has become a classic and a symbol of excellence in contemporary ballet. In the fierce production created for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1987, Forsythe explored the limits of the body’s ability to move, demanding an exceptionally precise sense of music and rhythm, as well as technical virtuosity from the dancers. The production does not tell a specific story, but is based on each dancer on stage, being physically demanding, technically challenging, and at the same time extremely visually enjoyable.
Part II of the production, “30.75”, is a world premiere – Linnar Looris has created it especially for the Estonian National Ballet troupe. The production is about how art is tried to be controlled and directed through constraints, underfunding and a thousand different opinions. It also makes you ask yourself who defines art – politicians, creators, the audience, or the sellers of this art?
According to Linnar Looris, the director of the Estonian National Ballet, these two works will put dance punk on stage. “Why do I say punk? Because punk is a protest. It is a “NO” to everything that is too decent, polite and corporate. Punk does not want to fit in; it wants to scream, fight and show: “I exist, and I do not do it according to your rules!” confirms the ballet director.
The dancers of the Estonian National Ballet are on stage. The fierce music is played from a recording.
Photo by Rünno Lahesoo