«Ma Carmen» and «Salome» at ASTANA BALLET

Ma Carmen

A one-act ballet based on the novella Carmen by Prosper Mérimée.

Music: Georges Bizet - Rodion Shchedrin - Davidson Giaconello
Libretto and Choreography: Mukaram Avakhri
Scenography and Costumes: Olga Shaishmelashvili
Lighting Design: Denis Solntsev
Video Design: Vadim Dulenko, Marat Sagadinov

This original interpretation of the famous work is notable for the fact that it features an all-female cast. Five ballerinas embody the character of Carmen, with each one reflecting a different facet of her personality. The literary image of Carmen serves as the starting point for a bold and innovative portrayal of the female ego. What is the modern woman like? How does her complex nature manifest itself? Does she have the freedom of choice, or is her tragic fate preordained by her nature? After centuries of numerous interpretations and authors' takes on her story, Carmen will finally tell us about herself. The magnetic power of her endless diversity captivates. In her, the lost and unhappy, the exalted and rebellious, everything is inseparably and organically bound, simply because she is a WOMAN.

One-act ballet based on the play Salomé by Oscar Wilde

Music: Fazil Say
Artistic Concept and Choreography: Mukaram Avakhri, Honored Artist of Kazakhstan
Scenography and Costumes: Olga Shaishmelashvili
Libretto: Mukaram Avakhri, Dilara Shomaeva
Lighting Design: Denis Solntsev
Assistant Ballet Master: Aizhan Junusova

«There are only two real tragedies in life: one is not getting what you want, and the other is getting it» said Oscar Wilde in one of his brilliant remarks about the essence of human desires. His unexpected and shocking interpretation of the well-known biblical story inspired the choreographer to create this performance. The ballet is choreographed in a style of graphic plasticity with elements of orientalism. It uses a variety of performance techniques, including pointe dancing and barefoot dancing.