Netherlands Dance Theater show
The critically acclaimed Netherlands Dance Theater is performing at the Herod Atticus Theater tonight, following a first appearance last night. The troupe’s performances are part of the Athens Festival and a Cultural Olympiad production. Founded in 1959 by a group of 18 dance professionals headed by Benjamin Harkavy and Carel Birnie, the company offers a continual interweaving of old and new. Right from the start, the troupe aimed to make a dance difference through new techniques and experimentation. Since then, the company has earned a reputation for innovation, while entering a new phase following the arrival of Jiri Kylian as artistic director in 1978. Born in Prague in 1947, Kylian is a prominent choreographer, who has, over the years, moved from lyrical ballets to abstract and at times even surreal works, offering the troupe a new movement language. Though Marian Sarstadt succeeded Kylian as artistic director in 2000, the celebrated choreographer acts as advisor. At the Herod Atticus tonight, the Netherlands Dance Theater will present Kylian’s «Sinfonietta» and «Wings of Wax,» as well as Johan Inger’s «Walking Mad.» Kylian created «Sinfonietta» in 1978 with music by Leos Janacek. The work premiered at the celebrated Spoleto Festival, earning its creator recognition worldwide. In «Sinfonietta,» Kylian expresses his feelings for his country and being in exile as well as the hope for a peaceful world. In «Wings of Wax» (music by Heinrich von Biber, John Cage, Philip Glass and Johann Sebastian Bach), Kylian explores subconscious, daily actions and their true meaning, while in «Walking Mad» (music by Maurice Ravel and Arvo Part) Inger takes a look at human relationships. For ticket information check «What’s On.»
