Zagreb Ballet opens season with Bigonzetti premiere

The Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb has opened its new season with a ballet diptych titled ‘Kazimir’s Colours/Rossini Cards’. Choreographed by Italian artist Mauro Bigonzetti, the premiere marks the beginning of a celebratory season commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Zagreb Ballet.

The production serves as the first premiere under the leadership of the new director, Ukrainian ballet virtuoso Denis Matvienko. The works involve an interdisciplinary approach, blending music, visual arts, dance, acting, and gastronomy. ‘Kazimir’s Colours’ is a twenty-five-minute piece set to Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, inspired by the paintings of Kazimir Malevich.

The premiere was met with standing ovations. The preparation process included direct artistic dialogue between the dancers and Bigonzetti during his residency in Zagreb, allowing the ensemble to explore the specific nuances of his choreographic style.