Transforming Augsburg into an Argentinean landscape, complete with sunglasses and sweatpants.
Swinging to the Rhythms of "Evita"
Hey there! Let's give you a peek behind the scenes of the upcoming production of "Evita" on the Augsburger Freilichtbühne. At first glance, those dancers may seem like they're just grooving in jogging pants and T-shirts. But it's all part of the magic, the culmination of countless hours of rehearsal work.
During our visit, we witnessed the grandeur of the production's opulent stage design by Karel Spanhak. However, it's the choreographic component that caught our eye. Choreographer Ricardo Fernando tells us, "The ballet is heavily involved - it's not just about dance scenes, we're part of the production." And that's saying something!
You might be expecting your average ballet night, but not here! "Evita" is a hot blend of various dance styles - from the seductive swoosh of tango to the fiery passion of salsa and energetic steps of jota, a traditional dance from Spain. It's a dance extravaganza that'll keep you hooked!
Get ready for an ensemble of 14 dancers, dressed in flashy 1930s to 1950s costumes, fitting perfectly for Eva Perón's time. The music, too, offers a unique twist - the "Symphonic Version" of "Evita," never performed in Germany before. But fear not, because the Augsburger Philharmoniker will bring the tunes to life, conducted by Sebastiaan van Yperen under the orchestra tent.
Choreographer Fernando reveals, "For me, it's a dream project. I've loved 'Evita' since it first hit the stage. It's about unleashing the music and translating it into dance moves." And he doesn't pull any punches! As director Florian Mahlberg lays the foundation with his concept, Fernando immerses himself in the beats, conjuring up moves that complement the rhythmic landscape.
Navigating the open-air stage isn't a walk in the park, though. The wooden floor can be uneven due to heat or rain, and the dancers must be extra cautious to avoid injuries. To mitigate risks, the choreography is carefully adapted, and special shoes are used. But don't sweat it - sunscreen is readily available in the dressing room, and rehearsals are scheduled to avoid the hottest times of the day.
"Heart of Gold" was a memorable event for Ricardo Fernando and Augsburg. But "Evita" takes it to another level. Although bigger in name, the magic of the Augsburger Freilichtbühne remains undiminished. And judging by the intensity of the rehearsals we witnessed, "Evita" on the Augsburger Freilichtbühne is set to be a captivating mixture of music, dance, and history.
So, strap in, folks! "Evita" is about to slay the Augsburger Freilichtbühne like never before! Be sure to keep an eye out for those spectacular dance moves!
In this mesmerizing production of "Evita," prepare for a fusion of diverse dance styles that include tango, salsa, and jota, creating an extravaganza within the realm of home-and-garden and entertainment. Beyond the dance, experience the enchanting collision of music, as the Symphonic Version of "Evita" graces the German stage for the first time, accompanied by the enthralling performance of the Augsburger Philharmoniker.
