Photography and Writing by A. Cemal Ekin
A couple of weekends ago, Festival Ballet Providence put on a great show, all works of Viktor Plotnikov. He choreographed three quite different ballet pieces in his narrative style, all highly enjoyable, but I am partial to Orchis. I hope you will forgive my bias! Here are some photographs with my synopses from all three …
On the 16th of March, I had a delightful opportunity to attend a truly remarkable performance coordinated by several professional artists widely ranging from photography, choreography, music composition, dance, custom design, and stage lighting, titled ‘Orchis’ and I wish to share a few words on my thoughts. As part of the program, there were three …
Last year the Festival Ballet Providence performance of Orchis delighted the audiences. Inspired by a collection of my photographs, Orchis is a unique ballet that brings together photography, dance, and music in a moving experience. This year, FBP will perform Orchis again as part of Boundless Plotnikov on March 14, 15, 16, 2014 at the …
I am delighted to learn that the gifted composer Sonya Belousova has released the score of Orchis on iTunes. Those of you who saw the ballet performance will remember the mesmerizing music, those who have not yet seen it will be enchanted and will make sure they see the upcoming performance in March 2014. Look …
As I mentioned in my previous post, we showed a short segment of Orchis before the keynote speech on Friday and Saturday at the NECCC 2013 conference. The response to the video (despite the low resolution) was positive, and many inquired about the next performance of Orchis and asked if they could watch the video …
On the opening day of Orchis, the mayor of Providence Angel Taveras issued citations to the collaborators on the Orchis project. Due to a spelling error, my citation had to be redone and I have received it recently. I want to share it with my family, friends, and readers and thank Mayor Taveras for his …
A small number of photographs from the Orchis Collection are now available in the Kept Light Store. They are lab-printed on metallic paper; all are 10″ x 15″. The introductory price of these prints is $50 each until the end of April 2013, after which it will be $100 each. As the introductory text explains, …
On all three shows, the audiences loved Orchis! Some came a second and third time to see it again. It was a fine example of great collaboration and everything fit together like a fine jigsaw puzzle. The result was truly enchanting. Here are some comments: Orchis then becomes like the beautiful butterfly, whose spirit soars …
As I was getting ready to write this post I learned the passing of a dear friend, an elder in our family, our beloved Melin ağabey, a gentle soul and a kind man. I dedicate this post to his memory. RIP Melin. After much rehearsals and tweaking, last night Festival Ballet Production of Agon & …
Tomorrow is the opening night of Agon & Orchis. I will see the dress rehearsal later today. Yesterday, I took yet more photographs at the rehearsal in the FBP studios. Towards the end, I decided to record their movements rather than momentary stillness with perfect positions. The dancers love those perfect moments, but there is …
The company dancers and the artistic team has done wonders with Orchis. When I watched rehearsals a little while ago and posted some photographs, I mentioned the awkward moments, difficult to master moves, pain, and persistence of this fine group of dancers. Yesterday I watched another rehearsal, and what a difference. It was amazing how …
How do they look so graceful on stage when they dance? It looks so easily done, but nothing can be farther from the truth. After watching the rehearsals for Agon & Orchis it is impossible not to renew your respect for their artistic and physical abilities. In the beginning, it does not look as graceful, …
In less than five weeks the Festival Ballet Providence will have a special performance. They will stage a groundbreaking ballet by Balanchine in the 1950s, Agon; and a groundbreaking ballet by Victor Plotnikov in 2013, Orchis. Both creations push the envelope in their own way. This is a special event for me. Orchis is based …
I have written before about the upcoming ballet, Orchis. Inspired by a collection of dried orchid flowers, the performance is around the corner on March 8-9-10, 2013, at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. During the gala performance, the Festival Ballet Providence staged a work in progress of Orchis. Stay tuned for more ticketing information. …
A while back I wrote about a joint project with the Festival Ballet Providence inspired by a series of orchid photographs I shared with them. I am incredibly pleased to write now that Orchis will have the premiere performance on March 8-9-10, 2013 at the Vets. The entirely new piece will be choreographed by Viktor …
