Black and White is a modern treatment of Swan Lake, the flagship of the classical repertoire and one of the most frequently staged ballets worldwide.

 

 

The production, which met with great acclaim in the USA, represents the present time. Its aim is to present the work from a different angle, by means of disavowing all the traditions and visually transforming Swan Lake in general. Whereas the ballet’s classical account foregrounds the characters portrayed by the ballerinas (the lead double role of Odette / Odile), thus primarily focusing on the female element, the version provides a view of Swan Lake through the lens of the main male personage, Prince Siegfried, who passes through a complicated phase in his life, relating to his being treated for cancer. Sometimes a mere second can turn one’s life upside down. The Prince seeks himself in the beauty of as tender and splendid a being as the Swan. And just like the hero of the classical story, he faces a choice. White or Black …

 

 

Modern, updated versions of classical works are not always accepted without reserve, yet the most important aspect is the response on the part of the audience. And the tumultuous applause at the packed-out Mahen Theatre following every single performance of Black and White can be deemed as a truly enthusiastic response.

 

 

Author: Petr Iljič Čajkovskij 

Choreography: Mário Radačovský
Director: Mário Radačovský
Set Design: Marek Hollý
Costume Design: Patricia Barker