Introduction

Legacy of Maurice Béjart returns to Japan

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne (BBL) and the 10th year of Maurice Béjart's demise and Gil Roman's artistic direction. Chosen as his successor by Maurice Béjart, Gil Roman is leading the Company and preserving its artistic excellence, since the disappearance of the Master in 2007. It is our great pleasure to invite the company for the first time in three years to present the first series of anniversary performances. It will be the Company's 17th tour in Japan.

For Program A, the Company will bring The Magic Flute (La Flute enchantee), in which a masterpiece of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is fully expressed by the spectacular dance set to the sublime score. Program B will be consisted of Bolero, one of the Bejart's representative works, Piaf, an homage to Edit Piaf, and two of Gil Roman's works, Anima Blues and Kyôdaï.

Enjoy the revolutionary spirit of Béjart who had transformed classical ballet to a modern art of the 20th century through the performances by the artists of BBL who inherit it and keep evolving.

Photo:Yoshihiro Kawaguchi

Maurice Béjart
(1927-2007)

Maurice Béjart is born in Marseille on January 2, 1927, the son of philosopher. He begins his career as dancer in Vichy in 1946, continues with Janine Charrat, Roland Petit and especially in London as part of the International Ballet. His career as choreographer starts in 1955 as he creates his own company in Paris. After his triumphant success of The Rite of Spring, In 1960, Béjart launches, in Brussels, Le Ballet du XXe Siècle. In 1987, it became the Béjart Ballet Lausanne. His works extend beyond 300.

Photo:Amelie Blanc

Gil Roman, Artistic Director

After intensive training with Marika Besobrasova, Rosella Hightower and José Ferran, Gil Roman Joined Maurice Béjart at Le Ballet du XXe Siècles in 1979. He has performed in Béjart's most renowned ballets during more than thirty years. Appointed by Maurice Béjart as his successor and Artistic Director in 2007, he creates new choreographies and preserves Bejart's legacy.