Vasarely Etudes
This performance of the Bartók Spring is presented by Müpa Budapest as a joint event with Ballet Pécs.
Online premiere 28 May 2021, 19.00 p.m.
This production of Ballet Pécs, which celebrates its 60th anniversary, was inspired by the works of Victor Vasarely, who was born 115 years ago. Itself a part of the city’s fabric, the company attached great importance to evoking Vasarely’s home town in the jubilee performance, and the works of art that inspired the production’s visuals were mostly chosen from the holdings of the Vasarely Museum, Pécs. These dance etudes, which reflect on the visual art, were choreographed by the Artistic Manager of the company, Balázs Vincze, Merited Artist, a holder of the Harangozó, Imre Zoltán and Seregi Awards. The stage set and the costumes were designed by two young but widely acknowledged, progressive artists, Balázs Cziegler and Fruzsina Nagy, while Richárd Riederauer composed original music to the production. An exhibition provides context for the dance performance. The paintings act as sources of inspiration and define the mood of the scenes, the musical material, the characters and their connections, the dynamics of the movement, the colours and shapes of the costumes, props and scenery, the production design. All these bring the artworks to life.
The Vasarely Etudes pose important questions that are of interest to both the artists and the audience. What is the point of art? What makes a work of art lasting and living? Does the work keep the artist alive? What is more exciting, the art of the moment, or that of eternity? Is it possible to make a distinction? What constitutes the power of dance, music and visual art to move the soul? What is the common point of connection? Is art eternal, and is it possible to live without it?
Director and choreographer Balázs Vincze said: “This has been the first occasion in my career when the choreography has not been inspired by the music, and the creative process has not been guided by a classic plot. The creativity of our team was set in motion by Victor Vasarely’s fantastically powerful works, as these paintings shaped the rhythm of the music, the dynamics of the choreography, the space, the props, the costumes, the visuals. I myself was surprised how much Vasarely’s work live, affect and energize the viewer. I was looking at them, until they sucked me in, came to life, started suggesting rhythms, steps, scenes. Every etude is a vision. It’s an odd feeling, but it’s like getting inside Vasarely’s works. I am grateful for this encounter.”
All the works of art that inspired the production’s visuals and that were used were chosen from the holdings of the Vasarely Museum, Pécs.
We are grateful for the cooperation of the Vasarely Foundation in Aix-en-Provence and the Janus Pannonius Museum / Vasarely Museum in Pécs.
Funded by the Ministry of Human Capacities
