Zagreb Ballet's 'Othello' hailed as a triumphant, modern masterpiece

The Croatian National Theatre (HNK) Ballet in Zagreb has delivered a powerful and critically lauded production of "Othello" to cap off its season, marking a triumphant end to Ballet Director Massimiliano Volpini's four-year mandate. The performance is being hailed as a major hit for the national theater, with audiences and critics alike praising its innovative approach.

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Shakespeare na steroidima, Mahler kroz kojeg odjekuju zvukovi elipsa helikoptera i rafala automatskih pušaka, Valentina Turcu u vrhunskoj formi i zreloj fazi (svjetski) velike koreografske karijere.

Choreographer Valentina Turcu's interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy is described as "Shakespeare on steroids," blending classical ballet with a modern, visceral sensibility. The production translates the timeless story of the great warrior and manipulator into contemporary times, highlighting the prevalence of "terrible wars" and the enduring success of villains and manipulators. Turcu's multifaceted contribution, encompassing choreography, direction, dramaturgy, and musical concept, is lauded as seamless and impactful.

The ballet's visual and auditory elements are equally praised. Set designer Marko Japelj's minimalist, dark stage, punctuated by strategic lighting from Vesna Kolarec, creates a stark atmosphere. Alan Hranitelj's costumes are described as powerful and seductive, with a striking use of white for Desdemona's scarf and shirt serving as a potent symbol of innocence unable to survive in a cruel world. The musical score, which incorporates sounds of helicopter ellipses and automatic rifle fire, further enhances the production's intensity and relevance.

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Njen autorski rukopis i ovdje je jasan: kroz neoklasični balet ona je priču o velikom ratniku i najvećem manipulatoru kojeg poznaje svjetsko dramsko pismo 'prevela' u naše doba i jasno nam pokazala ne samo da živimo u vremenu strašnih ratova nego da je to Jagovo vrijeme u kojem (od Shakespearea do danas) nemilice stradavaju i krivi i nedužni dok zlikovci i manipulatori uporno napreduju i 'drmaju' svijetom.

"Othello" is presented as the "sugar on top" of a highly successful season for the HNK Ballet, which also featured new productions of "The Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty." Turcu's choreography is singled out for its ability to precisely profile characters and create powerful, unprecedented group dance scenes. The production's exploration of themes like love, passion, and toxic male dominance is conveyed through compelling duets, particularly between Othello and Desdemona, and Iago and Emilia.

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Možda je najlakše to objasniti na dva velika plesna dueta; jedan je čisti iskaz ljubavi i strasti i plešu ga Othello i Desdemona, a drugi slika toksične muške dominacije nad ženom i plešu ga Jago i Emilia.