LA CREATION DU MONDE, MEGARON MOUSIKIS

I was honoured to be invited to the ballet: La Création Du Monde, reconstructed by Millicent Hodson and Kenneth Archer, that was staged at Megaron Mousikis in Athens. The original ballet was created almost 100 years ago in 1923, the set and costumes were designed by the great 20th century master Fernand Léger.

Model of original set and costume design by Fernand Léger

The production was a spellbinding spectacle. Hodson and Archer faithfully reconstructed the set and costumes in accordance with Léger's designs. Interestingly by reconstructing an old ballet in contemporary times, changes could be made that improved the functionality of the costumes. So the original costumes were said to have been problematic as a result of being made of heavy materials available at the time such as wood and cardboard. However when reconstructed in 2000, lighter, contemporary materials were used meaning the dancers could move more freely and differently. Much of the original choreography has been lost and was re-created by Millicent Hodson.

Original costume design drawings by Fernand Léger

La Création Du Monde reconstructed by Millicent Hodson and Kenneth Archer, staged at Megaron Mousikis in February 2018

La Création Du Monde reconstructed by Millicent Hodson and Kenneth Archer, staged at Megaron Mousikis in February 2018

A stunning work by Fernand Léger of a similar spirit to his designs for La Création Du Monde