Performing group for "Evita" rehearsed publicly on the Red Gate's outdoor stage
Under the open sky of Augsburg's historic Roten Tor area, the Staatstheater Augsburg presents a captivating new production of the musical "Evita." Directed by Florian Mahlberg, this contemporary rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's classic offers a fresh and modern interpretation, complete with a live orchestra, ballet, and a unique choreography inspired by the streets of Buenos Aires [1][2][3].
The production, which features Katja Berg as Eva Perón and Alexander Franzen as Juan Perón, offers a layered atmosphere with a slightly decayed Buenos Aires-inspired set designed by Karel Spanhak. A notable artistic choice is the character La Vida, portrayed silently through dance by Nina-Noelle Ingiliz O, adding a meta-theatrical dimension that symbolizes Evita's lost innocence, dreams, or inner self [2][3].
Ricardo Fernando, the ballet director of Augsburg State Theatre, has taken creative liberties in the collaboration, integrating ballet elements from the Augsburg Ballet into the choreography. The result is a dynamic and engaging presentation that enhances the storytelling [1][3][5]. The choreography, which includes various dance styles such as tango, salsa, cha-cha, rumba, and jota, presents challenges due to the uneven wooden floorboards of the open-air stage [1][3][6].
The live orchestra, accompanied by the Augsburg Philharmoniker, the opera choir, and the Augsburg Ballet, creates a rich and atmospheric live performance experience. Special shoes are used, and the choreography is adapted to minimize the risk of injury on the open-air stage. Dancers must also take precautions against heat and sun exposure [4][6].
The new "Symphonic Version" of Evita is being performed in Augsburg for the first time in Germany. Ricardo Fernando, who has previously staged and choreographed "Evita" multiple times, has drawn inspiration for the choreography from observing street dancers in Buenos Aires [2][3]. The ballet ensemble of the Augsburg State Theatre is very present on stage in this production, wearing costumes from the 1930s to the 1950s, in the style of Eva Perón's time [7][8].
A sneak peek into the new production was given at a reception for sponsors and partners at the Hofle above the stage. The audience applauded during the intermission and at the end of the premiere, indicating their appreciation for this compelling and contemporary rendition of "Evita" [1].
[1] Staatstheater Augsburg [2] Florian Mahlberg [3] Ricardo Fernando [4] Augsburg Philharmoniker [5] Nora Johanna Gromer [6] Karel Spanhak [7] Katja Berg [8] Alexander Franzen
The "Symphonic Version" of "Evita" at Staatstheater Augsburg offers a unique blend of music, ballet, and contemporary interpretation, complete with a live orchestra and various dance styles like tango, salsa, cha-cha, rumba, and jota. Ricardo Fernando, the ballet director, has integrated elements from the Augsburg Ballet into the choreography, creating a dynamic and engaging presentation that adds depth to the storytelling.
