The Béjart Ballet Lausanne invites you to discover two mesmerizing creations at the Beaulieu Theater in Lausanne from June 14th to 20th, 2024.

The dancers will be led by two choreographers invited by Béjart Ballet Lausanne. First, Valentina Turcu: the Slovenian dancer brings Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life, exploring human madness and passion. In his second appearance at the BBL, Giorgio Madia presents Rhapsody in Blue, a celebration of artistic freedom through different dance styles set to Gershwin’s music. Finally, Maurice Béjart’s Boléro, set to Maurice Ravel’s haunting music, will close this exceptional program.

Hamlet

After William Shakespeare

Choreography by Valentina Turcu

“If it be now, ’tis not to come. If it be not to come, it will be now. If it be not now, yet it will come – the readiness is all“. – Hamlet, William Shakespeare

“I’m looking for an expression of dance that is both delicate and direct,” explains Valentina Turcu, the Slovenian dancer and choreographer. Shakespeare’s masterpiece is still one of the most performed plays today, probably because of the perpetual madness that surrounds us and continues to provoke and fascinate us. This intense tale is set to minimalist music. It explores sharp violence, from savage aggression, deceit, revenge, raw passion and disillusionment to the most tender gestures, soaked in love and unspeakable light.”

Rhapsody in Blue

Choreography by Giorgio Madia

“Rhapsody in Blue is one of Gershwin’s most recognizable creations, a key composition that defined the jazz era and launched a new era in American musical comedy,” explains Milan-based choreographer Giorgio Madia. My staging moves away from the music’s imagery. The first element is the lack of rules, or at least of pre-existing rules. This is also connected to a freedom in different dance styles. The free form allows us to create a unique atmosphere.” Giorgio Madia returns to the BBL seven years after creating Swan Song for the company.

Boléro

Choreography by Maurice Béjart
Music by Maurice Ravel

Maurice Béjart wrote: “Music that is too well-known, yet always new thanks to its simplicity.” A melody – of Oriental, not Spanish origin – rolls tirelessly on itself, increasing in volume and intensity, devouring the sound space and ultimately swallowing up the melody.“

*Beware of the grey ticketing market: Béjart Ballet Lausanne cannot be held responsible for any purchase of show tickets outside the official ticket offices mentioned on the website.