Description

Ballet for 16 dancers created at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg in 2008.<div> Love, the Magician, takes place among the Roma of Andalusia, in an atmosphere steeped in superstition and witchcraft. The story follows the love between Candelas and Carmelo, troubled by the apparition of the ghost of a young man who, until his death, was Candelas's fiancé. The spell is finally broken when Candelas manages to divert the jealous ghost's attention to another young woman.</div><div><br></div><div> By bringing the dead and the living closer together, this legend encompasses other traditional narratives, such as those recounting the invitation of the deceased to rituals celebrating the arrival of spring. These ceremonies, in their function of regenerating the world, use fire as a symbol of the supremacy of light over darkness. This is echoed in the "Danza Ritual de Fuego" (Ritual Fire Dance) composed by Manuel de Falla to ward off the jealous spirit and allow Candelas to live in the glow of a new love. Following this, the revenant detaches himself from her to enter into a macabre marriage with a sacrificed young woman.</div><div><br></div><div> Without entirely stripping El Amor Brujo of its Andalusian picturesqueness, I focused on the perpetual cycle of death and life. Through this choice, and following a universalizing approach, the main roles are partly interpreted by the entire cast of dancers. Finally, the stage is covered with ash-colored petals. Black roses that love has fled from, before returning.</div><div><br></div>