The Red Shoes
choreography, stage design: Philippe Kratz
music: Pierfrancesco Perrone
dramaturgy: Sarah Ströbele
costume design: Grace Lyell
lights: Giulia Pastore
duration: 60’
premiere: Teatro Sociale di Trento, 2023.
performed by: Sofia Bonetti, Matteo Capetola, Carmine Catalano, Alice Catapano, Beatrice Ciattini, Matilde Di Ciolo, Veronica Galdo, Aldo Nolli, Niccolo Poggini, Paolo Rizzo
As in the fairy tale of the girl Karen and a pair of strange red shoes, Andersen in his works repeatedly challenges the traditional juxtaposition between subject and object. Kratz's creation, with music specially composed by Pierfrancesco Perrone, addresses this strangely indissoluble bond, which is not determined only by functional utility or the vain desire for possession, but can also lead to a loss of autonomy. The projections linked to the desires that dominate our world of goods and consumption are also taken up by dividing the scenographic space in two. In contrast to the fairy tale, which ends with the violent liberation of the protagonist from the red shoes and her redemption, Kratz's choreography ultimately focuses on questioning the role of objects in interpersonal relationships.
I don't perceive Karen as disobedient or vain; a perspective that is emphasized in the fairy tale. Nowadays we are so used to consuming and often see products as means to reach a purpose, to get noticed by others, to relate to others and to emphasize our individuality. Karen also tries to connect with others and find security through the red shoes. In this she fails miserably. Yet what she seeks corresponds to a desire that many of us probably know: to belong to a collective and yet remain an individual.
Philippe Kratz
Former dancer of Aterballetto, winner of the 32nd International Hannover Choreography Competition, Choreographer of the Year 2019 (Danza&Danza magazine award), Philippe Kratz is known for his different compositional language that combines contemporary dance with technical elements from hip hop and european classical dance. Invited by the Ballet director Manuel Legris, Kratz recently presented his choreography at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, sharing the evening with authors appreciated in theaters all over the world such as Jiří Kylián, Nacho Duato and David Dawson.
The Ballet of Toscana represents a constant significant presence in the history of Italian dance since 1970. It is a rigorously professional production sustained by MIBACT, Tuscany Region and from the district of Florence, with a staff of 12-14 dancers. The current artistic program, thanks to a team of famous collaborators and authors, alongside Cristina Bozzolini, recalls a constant and coherent cultural line with the affirmation of the primacy of contemporary choreography and a plurality of expressive languages. In the past years the Company had the pleasure of working with many renowed choreographers, like Fabrizio Monteverde, Mauro Bigonzetti, Virgilio Sieni, Cristina Rizzo, Arianna Benedetti, Davide Bombana, Diego Tortelli, Jiri Bubenicek and Michele Di Stefano. From 2017, the partnership with Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino has been established, while company also collaborates with other prestigious Italian theaters including La Fenice in Venice and Teatro Reggio in Parma. The performance “Bayadère” presented at 20th Belgrade Dance Festival, was also awarded by Danza & Danza as the best Italian production of 2021.
