An evil woman is tamed by dance in Liberec, the whole family can attend a ballet about relationships

“This production could attract audiences these days. It’s a family show, a break, a comedy. Even though the story is from the time of Shakespeare, the dialogues and situations on stage are transferable to all eras,” says director and choreographer Marika Mikanová.

The ballet promises impressive dance and acting performances accompanied by Dmitri Shostakovich’s energetic music. “For example, when I was looking for music for the first introduction of Katerina and Petruccio, I needed something calm, tapping. Comfort, comfort and suddenly Kateřina bangs! And this is exactly what Shostakovich does brilliantly,” continues Mikanová, who is also the director of the Liberec Ballet.

She transformed the famous comedy into a dance form already in 2018, then for the theater in Ústí nad Labem. However, for her new treatment, she created a completely new movement concept tailored to the Liberec ballet company. She borrowed the scene and musical collage from her first performance.

Temperament and charisma

In Liberec, she cast proven solo dancers in the main roles. “Nuria Cazorla García is a spirited dancer who can captivate. She can smoothly transform from fury to a kind and helpful woman in an instant. And Michal Kováč is a thoughtful, charismatic dancer who plays with the role of Petruccio and presents the image of a relaxed man. It is a win to have such artists in the team,” says Mikanová.

The dynamic comedy will also provide an interesting insight into the social mores of the Elizabethan era. “The story brings an unusual topic which, although not trendy, shows a direct contradiction with the current perception of the relationship between a man and a woman. I tried to understand it in such a way that the search for mutual respect and the functionality of the relationship sounded. A harmonious relationship will emerge from a crazy couple,” adds the head of the ballet.