Dracula

Ballet in two acts with prologyLibretto: Paweł Chynowski based on the novel by Brama StokerMusic: Wojciech Kilar (film works and fragments of Kościelec 1909, Concerto for piano and orchestra and Fifth Symphony) Arrangement: Michael BrettpraPremiere: 6.09.2018, West Australian Ballet, PerthPolish premiere: 28 April 2022, Polish National Ballet, Warsaw

Soprano (from tape): Belinda ButlerRecording: Malcolm Luker, Twin Palm Studios, Perth, Western Australia

Vampires wandered in literature for a long time, only to settle in pop culture over time. A special place in this work is occupied by the Gothic novel by Bram Stoker, which perpetuated the story of Dracula in mass culture.

In Krzysztof Pastor's ballet, the narrative proceeds similarly to the novel, moving between legendary Transylvania and Victorian London. It is there that the Count meets a girl who, to the illusion, resembles his tragically deceased wife. So he wants to drag a woman into his world at all costs, but the power of love turns out to be stronger. Dracula sacrificed eternal life on her altar.

The great value of this touching ballet is the music of Wojciech Kilar. We hear here not only a musical illustration of Coppola's famous film, but also memorable battles from Leprosy and the Promised Land, as well as fragments of Kościelec 1909, as well as a Concerto for piano and orchestra. The ballet was commissioned by an Australian team in Perth, but soon it also appeared on the stages of Riga, Brisbane, Helsinki and our theater. And everywhere it is presented with great success.

Polish National BalletOrkiestra Teatru Wielkiego - National Opera