Classical Ballet The Little Mermaid (Ballet in 2 acts) Brilliant Classical Stanislavsky Ballet and Opera theatre (established 1887, founded by Stanislavsky)
Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Schedule for The Little Mermaid (Ballet in 2 acts) 2022
Choreography: John Neumeier Light Designer: John Neumeier Composer: Lera Auerbach
Orchestra: Stanislavsky theatre symphony orchestra
Classical Ballet in 2 acts
Premiere of this production: 4 February 2011
John Neumeier has created a modern but timeless interpretation of "The Little
Mermaid" – a dramatic tale set in two contrasting worlds: the simple underwater
life of the ocean creatures and the flamboyant lifestyle of humans. The central
figure of the mermaid travels through both worlds, enduring torment because of
her committed love for the prince – but through her own strength in the end –
transcends. The ballet underlines parallels to the fairy tale in the biography
of Hans Christian Andersen.
Composer - Lera Auerbach
Choreography, Sets, Costumes, Light Design - John Neumeier Conductor -
Felix Korobov Original name - Die kleine Meerjungfrau Premiere -
February 4, 2011
Synopsis
Prologue
During a sea voyage, the Poet remembers the wedding of Edvard to Henriette,
mourning the separation from his dear friend. A tear rolls slowly down his cheek
falling into a sea of memories and fantasies.
Part 1
At the bottom of the sea, the Poet's longing for Edvard takes the shape of a
little Mermaid. This lovely sea creature watches a ship pass on the water’s
surface and dreams of the earth world. On board the passing ship sailors are
exercising. Their Captain, a Prince – strongly resembling Edvard – is absurdly
playing golf. Accidentally hitting a ball overboard, he dives into the sea to
retrieve it. Although the Prince is unable to see the Mermaid, her joyful
presence envelops him. The Sea Witch appears and a terrible storm erupts. The
Poet wills the little Mermaid to rescue the Prince who is in danger of drowning.
Holding his unconscious body, the Mermaid experiences love and cannot resist
kissing the Prince. Bells sound as a group of convent schoolgirls arrives at
the seashore. One of the girls, a Princess – looking very much like Henriette –
discovers the unconscious Prince. Tentatively, she wakes him. Believing the
Princess to be his savior, the Prince immediately falls in love with her. Sad
and despondent, the little Mermaid witnesses the developing affection between
Prince and Princess, her desire for the Prince turns to pain and desperation – a
mirror of the Poet's soul. Determined to become a woman, the little Mermaid
searches for the Sea Witch. Love gives her courage to beg for a human body –
whatever the cost. A terrible ritual follows. Taking her beautiful tail as
ransom, the Sea Witch violently transforms her. The little Mermaid now has
legs. Waking naked on the seashore, her first steps are unbearably painful.
The Prince discovers her and takes pity on this strange creature, carrying her
on board his ship. Her dream, it seems, has been realized. As the ship is
about to depart, the Prince notices the Princess among the passengers. The love
between Prince and Princess grows as the little Mermaid suffers the agony
of human disappointment.
Part 2
The little Mermaid is determined to be a woman, but the confining rooms of
the earth world are claustrophobic. In spite of her efforts, she is still
awkward and clumsy in her human body. Visions of the sea haunt her dreams. Still
deeply in love with the Prince, her desire to be loved in return is now clearly
in vain – today he will marry the Princess. The little Mermaid is to be a
bridesmaid. During the celebrations, the Sea Witch appears, the center of a
strange entertainment. He gives the little Mermaid a knife, promising that if
she kills the Prince, her tail will be restored, and she may return to her home
in the deep sea. After all the guests have departed, the little Mermaid
encounters the Prince. But it is soon clear that she could never harm him. Just
for a moment, during their farewell, the Prince seems to feel and respond to the
depth of her passion. Did they nearly kiss? Abruptly, however, the Prince
departs for his wedding night.
Epilogue
The little Mermaid is left alone. Her pain reflects the Poet's own suffering
– each abandoned by the object of their intense unconditional love. They are one
– creator and creation. It is the Poet's love for his Mermaid that makes her
immortal, just as she, "The little Mermaid", will immortalize him. Together,
they search for a new world.
Schedule for The Little Mermaid (Ballet in 2 acts) 2022
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