Snow White is a great romantic contemporary ballet, based on the Grimm brothers’ version of the fairytale.
Angelin Preljocaj is working with all 26 dancers of the company on the most beautiful scores of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies. The costumes are designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, and the set by Thierry Leproust.
I was very keen to tell a story, offer something magical and enchanted. No doubt it was to avoid getting into a rut. And also because, like everyone, I love stories. I have followed the version by the Grimm brothers, with just a few personal variations based on my own analysis of the symbols in the tale. Bettelheim describes Snow White as an œdipus in reverse. The wicked stepmother is without doubt the central character in the tale. She is the one who I examine through her narcissistic determination not to give up on seduction and her role as a woman, even if it means sacrificing her stepdaughter. The understanding of symbols belongs to adults as well as children; it’s for everyone, and that’s why I like fairy tales.
Snow White is a narrative ballet with its own dramatic content. The places are represented by Thierry Leproust’s set. The 26 dancers of the company play their parts in costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier.
-- Angelin Preljocaj
The piece will be created on the 25 of September 2008 at the Biennale de la danse de Lyon, France.
Choreography
Angelin Preljocaj
Music
Gustav Mahler
Additionnal music
79 D
Costumes
Jean Paul Gaultier
Set design
Thierry Leproust
Lighting
Patrick Riou
assisted by Cécile Giovansili et Sébastien Dué
Associate Artistic Director
Youri Van Den Bosch
Rehearsal assistant
Claudia De Smet
Choreologist
Dany Lévêque
Absailing trainer
Alexandre del Perugia
Scenery construction
Atelier Atento
Costumes maker
Les Ateliers du Costume
Special thanks to
Jean Paul Gaultier
Created during a residency at
Grand Théâtre de Provence (Aix-en-Provence, France)
Coproduction
Biennale de la danse de Lyon / Conseil Général du Rhône (France), Théâtre National de Chaillot (France), Grand Théâtre de Provence (France), Staatsballet Berlin (Germany)