ISSN 2411-0795
ISSN 2411-0795
Keywords: choreographic interpretation, semiotics of choreography, Nacho Duato, A.P. Chekhov, deconstruction, postmodernism, synthetic art text, Russianness, identity, musical and choreographic drama
Priezzheva E.S. Deconstruction of the Artistic World of Russian Literature in Choreography (on the example of the work «Jardin Infinito» by N. Duato). // Theory and History of Art. 2024. N 1/2, p.292–307
The article analyzes «Jardin Infinito», a one-at ballet by Nacho Duato, staged in 2010 at the Compania National de danza in honor of Chekhov's 150th anniversary, in the context of the figurative connection with the primary source beyond the plot and expression of Russian culture features. The concept of the ballet is outlined the musical and set design foundations, the features of choreographic structures, and the artistic methods are analyzed under the influence of postmodern aesthetics and in relation to the сhoreographer's personal style. It is noted that Duato identifies Russian culture through the deconstruction of the artistic world of Chekhov, combining semantic, sound and visual allusions, regarding existential issues and the problem of creativity. Direct connection with Chekhov is realized in the musical design through the reference to his notebooks and diaries, using plastic metaphors associated with the sounding text, and more specific allusions to the images of Chekhov's plays, and with number of audio and visual techniques. It is also specified that Duato goes beyond the limits of the Chekhov universe, emphasizing the imagery of the Russian language through the symbolization of the text by staging techniques. In conclusion, the author notes that the problem of the relevance of the Russianness, highlighted by Duato both in the characters and verbal text, and in the ideological understanding of the play, remains controversial, and gives several arguments in support of his opinion.