Wartime Elegy | RATMANSKY

When the war broke out on February 24, 2022, Alexei Ratmansky, who was in the middle of rehearsals of his ballet L'Art de la Fugue at the Bolshoi, cancelled his creation and left Russia, withdrawing all his ballets from the Moscow repertoire: from then on, his pro-Ukrainian artistic and intellectual commitment has been total. Wartime Elegy was his first "choreographic response" to the Russian invasion, and he staged it with the dancers of the Kiev National Theatre; dancers who, despite bombing and alerts, continue working daily. "The response of the dancers was wonderful, they are galvanised by the need and desire to fight with other weapons... The music is by a great composer [Valentin Silvestrov] who inspired me greatly ...", said Alexei Ratmansky. (Text written by Alice Blot)

In Wartime Elegy, Alexei Ratmansky introduces us to the Ukrainian people through a work that evokes the war and devastation that his people are currently experiencing. This is not just an article about the tragedy. Stories, dances, humour and strength of community are evident everywhere. We instantly connect to laughter, exuberance and loss, recognising our common links

WARTIME ELEGY | ALEXEI RATMANSKY 
Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky
Music: Valentin Silvestrov, Four Postludes for Piano and String Orchestra; Ukrainian Village Music: Historic Recordings 1928-1933, Pidkamecka Kolomyjka et Nina Polka
Scenic Design: Wendall K. Harrington
Costumes: Moritz Junge
Art : Matvi Vaisberg & Maria Prymachenko ©Charitable Heritage of the Maria Prуmachenko Family
Lighting Design: Reed Nakayama
Re-staged by: Giovanni Villalobos
Duration: 20 min

Premiere by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo on April 23rd 2025, Grimaldi Forum Monaco. With the participation of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Jesko Sirvend, pianist: David Bismuth