Internationally, the Hamburg Ballet was one of the first companies that returned to its studios after the lockdown. John Neumeier developed the idea of creating a ballet observing and structured according to social distancing. At the beginning, it was not certain, when, where or if this ballet might be publicly performed. The work was an exercise in creativity out of necessity for the choreographer and his dancers.
John Neumeiers' concept involves all 60 dancers of his company. To respect social distancing, he creates separate parts of the work with small groups of two to eight dancers. "'Ghost Light' is an ensemble work that I am developing in fragments. It is like the separate instrumental lines of a symphony – or a traditional Japanese meal: a sequence of carefully arranged, hopefully 'delicious' miniatures. How the separate parts will unite to create a complete work, will depend on the moment we are allowed to come near and touch each other again.", says John Neumeier.
The title "Ghost Light" draws on an American theatrical tradition. A single lamp on a metal post is switched on and placed center stage after rehearsal or performance signifying that no artist is allowed to use the stage. The ghost light burns through the night – until the stage comes alive again.
Music: Franz Schubert
Choreography, Set, Lighting Concept and Costumes: John Neumeier
Costumes of "Lady of the Camellias" and "The Nutcracker" by Jürgen Rose
1 hour 45 minutes | no intermission
PREMIERE:
Hamburg Ballet, Hamburg, September 6, 2020
ON TOUR:
2022 Tarbes
The program and the DVD are available in our online shop.
