Phoenix

About

In ancient times, the Phoenix was depicted as the giant heron (the Bennu bird). Appearing after floods, according to mythology the bird was born from water, one of the primeval elements. Legend has it that the Phoenix engenders from itself, similarly to the Sun, while another variant claims that after burning itself the bird rises from its own ashes to a new life. The Phoenix rejuvenates, with this idea also indicating that old strength is renewed and new strength gained…

The Czech National Ballet’s 2020/21 season marks the renewal of the Phoenix with new artistic experiences. Our world premiere with three choreographies by Douglas Lee, Alejandro Cerrudo and Cayetano Soto are boosted with creative energy.

The Phoenix epitomises revival, resurrection, regeneration and rebirth. Such a notion is crucial for the beauty of theatre and our values in the world of art. It is reflection of our society and the essence of being.

Douglas Lee is a freelance British choreographer. His works have been premiered by the Stuttgarter Ballett, the Norwegian National Ballet, the New York City Ballet, the Nederlands Dans Theater and other companies. His Snow Was Falling, created for the Perm Opera Ballet, received the coveted Golden Mask for the best choreography of 2016. Lee is known to Prague dance lovers too – his Mask Duet was presented within the Velvet Gala evening in November 2019 at the Estates Theatre.

Alejandro Cerrudo was previously engaged with the Victor Ullate Ballet, the Stuttgarter Ballett and Nederlands Dans Theater 2. He is resident choreographer at the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company. His miniature Paco Pope Pluto too was included in the Velvet Gala in 2019 in Prague.

Cayetano Soto: When I’m thinking of phoenix and my choreography, they are very much connected. It’s a rebirth. Phoenix is falling to dust and rising over and over again. I tis the same with human beings. We are not born just once, we are being reborn constantly. I am not the same person today as I was yesterday or ten or thirty years ago. The essence of all people is the same, but during our lifetime we are cultivating our personality, our desires, we are making our own way.