NEW YORK, NY — Chiara Ajkun creates a new choreographic tale freely inspired by the legend of Prince Vladimir Dracul (Dracula) of Transylvania who ruled Walachia from 1456 to 1462, the period of Ottoman conquest of the Balkans. In her contemporary ballet the aristocratic and charming Dracula subdues savage wolves, undermines the Turks, and fiercely loves Mina whose untimely death spins him into insanity. In a raging vengeance against God, Dracula begins his cruel journey well known to posterity.
Theatrical and cutting edge in her choreographic style, Chiara Ajkun chooses minimalism in scenery and props, as her intent is centered on the language created by the movements. Emphasis is on interpretation, and intensity generated by the combination of athleticism and detailed interpretation of Ajkun Ballet Theatre’s dancers. Ultimately it will be in the harmonic beauty of their bodies, the gravity defying technique, and in the electrifying energy of their artistry that the audience will find the story.
Dracula (Klevis Tafaj) became infamously known for his cruelty against the Turkish, his former allies. Educated in the Quran and fluent in the language, Dracula took advantage of his education and enticing personality to escape imprisonment and strategically defeat the enemies. Borrowing from Stoker’s epistolary tale Mina (Brittany Larrimer), his wife is the only soft spot in Dracula’s heart. Affected by anemia, she takes the last breath in Dracula’s arms during a negotiation with Ottoman Ambassadors who are all then poisoned in rage. Dracula here begins his journey of assassination, ranging from wars to thirst for blood. Also featured Momoko Burbine, Corey Mangum, and Adela Lami along the corps de ballet of Ajkun Ballet Theatre.
Dracula premieres at
The Ossie Davis Theater
1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801
on October 23, 2016
Tickets: Visit the New Rochelle Council on the Arts website at www.newrochellearts.org or email info@newrochellearts.org.
the MMAC Theater
248 West 60th Street (Lincoln Center Area), New York City, NY 10023
(Wheelchair accessible)
on October 26, 27 & 28, 2016 curtain at 8pm.
Tickets: [General Seating $35] are on sale online www.ajkunbt.org, or by calling: (877) 987- 6487
