A dance with a hint of hops...

After large-scale performances — interpretations of classical works — with intricate dramaturgy and weighty artistic constructions, «Kyiv Modern Ballet» offered audiences a certain theatrical «mischief». The main aim of this playful, vivid and humorous performance «In Pivo Veritas» — is the sheer delight of dance.

«Kyiv Modern Ballet», led by choreographer Radu Poklitaru, created its own version of the famous ancient aphorism «In Vino Veritas», proposing to seek the truth not only in wine, but also in... beer. Having defined the genre of the performance as a «low-alcohol spectacle», the artists gave audiences the chance to become participants in genuine merriment — tipsy and at the same time refined, striking, somewhat exotic, with choreographic gems and colourful numbers.

The musical foundation of the one-act ballet was Irish folk songs and music of the Renaissance era. Hence the artistic solution of the performance and, in particular, the costumes: colourful tartan skirts combined with ballet tutus and striped leg warmers looked both stylish and outrageous. The scenographic quarters — a beer hall, in which the characters sit or even sleep at wooden tables, laugh, joke, love, and also dance.

It seems the artists are not working in the performance but playing at a merry, easygoing life, in which one can so simply chatter, drink beer, or, just as playfully, lightly fly into a fouetté. And besides — to a public «intoxicated» by the beautiful and spectacular production, demonstrate their technical capabilities: as if to say, look what we are capable of! It is not for nothing that the ballet has many solo numbers that highlight the mastery of each artist. And there are quite a few of them in the performance: Anatolii Kozlov, Olha Kondakova, Elina Vinnikova, Hanna Herus, Olena Dovhykh, Halyna Mykytiuk, Maria Pustovalova, Olena Symonova, Anastasiia Kharchenko, Yevhenii Baranovskyi, Daryna Tsyhipa and others.

The performance «In Pivo Veritas» is very free and light in terms of staging (once again, unlike R. Poklitaru’s previous productions). While one of the participants in the spectacle performs their solo number, the rest — converse in a relaxed way, laugh, from time to time sipping foamy beer from an enormous goblet.

At the same time, despite the playfulness and entertaining nature of the ballet «In Pivo Veritas», the dramaturgy of the production is well thought out and interesting. Apart from celebration and merriment, everything seen can be understood as a tipsy, amusing and, at the same time, slightly lyrical dream, in which there is room not only for joy and carefreeness, but also for love, human relationships, subtlety of feelings, light, kindness and the elusive warmth of the sensation of life as a whole. The fervour and dynamism of the performance attest to the inner youthfulness of its creators together with their undeniable professionalism. After all, only those who are brave and young in soul and body can quench the thirst for dance in such a way!

Today, when we say «Kyiv Modern Ballet», we mean the highest class of contemporary dance with honed technique and original dramaturgy. Let me recall that this company has become popular not only in Ukraine but also in other countries, and tours extensively. We managed to talk with its director Radu POKLITARU — a vivid and talented personality — after the premiere of the ballet «In Pivo Veritas».

— Radu, how did the idea arise to create such a playful, theatrically mischievous performance as «In Pivo Veritas»?

— I wanted to create a performance that would differ from everything our audience had seen before. After all, the production «In Pivo veritus» is dance for the sake of dance, a certain dance merriment which, I hope, brought joy. And besides, I myself love beer, hence, probably, the title of the performance.

— Tell us about the changes in the life of «Kyiv Modern Ballet» over the five years of the company’s existence?

— It seems to me that no global, non-everyday changes have taken place. As before, we position ourselves as a repertory theatre of contemporary choreography. The only thing I would note: over the five years of «Kyiv Modern Ballet»’s existence it has become easier to work with the artists — they have learned to understand me from half a word. A true creative unity has formed, a company of like-minded people, and they already perceive me not only as a teacher, since the artists too are co-participants in the creative process.

— Today you tour a great deal; which European theatres, companies and schools appeal to you?

— I would note Nederlands Dans Theater. This is a company with its own «signature» in choreography. Today they are the absolute leaders of contemporary ballet. And whenever we have the opportunity, we gladly attend their performances. For example, the NDT company is something unique!

— At one time, your staging of I. Stravinsky’s ballet «The Rite of Spring» on the stage of the National Opera of Ukraine was rather unexpected, and it did not «last» long in the theatre’s repertoire. Are you not planning to revive this ballet on another stage?

— I have not thought about it, because if we are talking about a permanent stage, the initiative can come only from the director of a specific theatre. And, let us say, including this performance in the repertoire of «Kyiv Modern Ballet» is rather difficult, since it is not mobile — there are very large-scale scenographic constructions that would be hard to transport.

— Radu, today you are invited to take part in various shows and television projects. How interesting is such work, and what do you draw from it for yourself?

— At first, agreeing to take part in the project «Dancing with the Stars», I was rather sceptical about it. But soon I became very enthusiastic. I can say that such work proved useful for me, since the recognition increased the flow of audiences to «Kyiv Modern Ballet»’s performances. And besides, I now have new friends whom it is always pleasant to meet and talk with.

— And how will «Kyiv Modern Ballet» delight the public in the near future?

— I do not like to voice ideas, plans, dreams... I can say that the consequences of the financial crisis have become palpable for our company too. That is why our latest works are low-budget, with modest financial outlays. They cannot, of course, be compared with the performances «Underground» or «The Nutcracker». Today I already very much want to stage a large, full-length ballet in two acts. But that, once again, is for now only a dream...

Olena Varvarych

The newspaper "Den"