By MEREDITH PRICEorchestra 88(photo credit: )
The Clipa Theater's interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" tells the physical story of love, from its first passionate moments in springtime to a commitment made in winter. Backed by the Israel Kibbutz Chamber Orchestra, eight Clipa dancers take to the barren stage in pairs to physically represent the "trial of harmony and invention." The wordless 50-minute production is choreographed by former dancer Idit Herman, who with partner Dmitry Tyulpanov co-founded Clipa in 1995. "Now that we have marked our tenth anniversary, we are looking for new ways to break ground and renew our artistic language," Herman says. "We are using movement and the art of physical performance to find that language and explore our roots."
Clipa, known for creative productions that blend unusual images and sounds, here fuses classical music with ultra-contemporary dance moves. From moments of quiet blooming to frenetic coupling, the dancers unite and separate in a playful and dramatic representation of love. In brightly colored costumes, four couples move sequentially across the stage in a wild representation of love as a cycle, which happens in stages through the spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The Four Seasons concerto series, written in 1725, has been popular since its debut. The "Spring" concerto was one of King Louis XV's all-time favorites, and he often ordered it performed at his Versailles palace. The string instruments play a strong role in all four concertos, lending them an air of romanticism and melodrama that is well-suited for a dance adaptation.
"We are not a political theater," says Herman. "We are interested in exploring relationships, and this production does that in a unique way."
The Four Seasons will be performed at the Clipa Theater in Tel Aviv on May 13, 18 and 27 at 9 p.m. Tickets are NIS 60.
For information, call (03) 687-9219.
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