1-5 July 2008 | Vlaamse Opera, Antwerp
Tickets | Reviews | Photogallery
Eva Dewaele - Photogr.: Valentin Fanel
It took the Greeks ten years to capture Troy; Ulysses’ peregrinations lasted ten years and Penelope waited twenty years for the return of her husband, the King of Ithaca. Penelope is the main protagonist in the new ballet by the German choreographer Christian Spuck. The Return of Ulysses is all about interminable waiting – showing the absurd atmosphere of hopefully hopelessness – and about the pressure brought to bear by the string of power-lusty, would-be suitors. The culminating moment is when Ulysses eventually returns home but goes unrecognized by the faithful Penelope.
The Return of Ulysses is the account of a deadlock. It is a very human story containing both melancholic and humorous passages.
Firstly, there is Purcell’s baroque music – which lends itself brilliantly to dance, secondly, Penelope plays songs from the 1950’s and 60’s on her tape recorder – sign for an other time, perhaps a happy youth with Ulysses long time ago.
“Ballet can be truly beautiful.” (Gazet van Antwerpen)
“The dancers were all superb, obviously relishing everything the choreographer threw at them.” (Dance Europe)
“It’s a brave addition to the repertoire of the Royal Ballet of Flanders, and sets the stamp on Christian Spuck as a refreshing and welcome choreographic voice.” (Dance Europe)
Ensemble | Fotogr: Valentin Fanel