The dancers of the Centro Coreografico Nazionale / Aterballetto interpret the new duet by Angelin Preljocaj, based on the theme of reconciliation.

Dance, as the art of expressing the inexpressible, has the unique ability to uncover fears, anxieties, and hopes, bringing them to life. Reconciliatio is a female duet by Angelin Preljocaj, derived from Suivront mille ans de calme, a 2010 piece with a lyrical and impressionistic quality, inspired by a thoughtful yet non-literal interpretation of the Apocalypse. In this recreated duet for the Aterballetto Company, as in the original production, the choreographer does not strictly adhere to the text of St. John. Instead, he explores its most poetic nuances, aiming to unveil a hidden meaning, a truth that remains elusive to the eye. Indeed, the very etymology of the word “apocalypse” – meaning “to lift the veil” – suggests the possibility of a revelation to be sensed and embraced. Through the delicate connection between the duet’s protagonists, the subtle and layered impressions gathered by Angelin Preljocaj throughout this creative journey emerge, enveloping the piece in an evocative and mesmerizing charm.

The duet was created as part of Memorare ’24: Meditazione in San Petronio – danza e canto per la pace. The event, organized by the President of CEI – Cardinal Matteo Zuppi –, conceived by Vittoria Cappelli, and produced by the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, with the support and patronage of the City of Bologna and the Dicastery for Evangelization of the Vatican, is part of the preparatory events for the Jubilee 2025.

Choreography Angelin Preljocaj
Music Ludwig Van Beethoven, Moonlight Sonata
Costume design Igor Chapurin
Light design Cecile Giovansili
Assistant Choreographer Claudia De Smet

Recreation from the 2010 creation Suivront Mille Ans De Calme

Production Fondazione Nazionale Della Danza / Aterballetto
Co-production Fondazione Teatro Comunale di Bologna

Premiere September 16, 2024, Bologna, Basilica di San Petronio, as part of Memorare ’24

Angelin Preljocaj was born near Paris, France, and began studying classical dance before transitioning to contemporary dance with teachers such as Karin Waehner, Zena Rommett, Merce Cunningham, and later with Viola Farber and Quentin Rouillier. He collaborated with Dominique Bagouet before founding his own company in December 1984.

Angelin Preljocaj has created 53 choreographies, ranging from solos to works for larger groups of dancers. He regularly works with other artists, including Enki Bilal, Goran Vejvoda, Air, Granular Synthesis, Fabrice Hyber, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Laurent Mauvignier, Natacha Atlas, and Azzedine Alaïa. His productions are now part of the repertoire of several companies, many of which also commission original works from him (New York City Ballet, Staatsoper Berlin, Paris Opera Ballet…). He has also directed and collaborated on various films related to his choreographic work.

Angelin Preljocaj has received several awards, such as the Benois de la danse in 1995, the Bessie Award in 1997, Les Victoires de la musique in 1997, the Globe de Cristal for Biancaneve in 2009, and the Samuel H. Scripps Prize in 2014. In April 2019, he was included in the new “choreography” section at the Academy of Fine Arts.

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