The Piano

The Ballet of Opera Plovdiv proudly presents the premiere dance performance The Piano by Jiří Bubeníček, inspired by Jane Campion's iconic film The Piano, which was created for the Royal New Zealand Ballet and won three Academy Awards. The acclaimed choreographer's work is featured in the repertoires of prestigious ballet companies such as Zurich Ballet, New York City Ballet, and Mariinsky Ballet.

Thirty-one years ago, The Piano captured audiences' hearts with its powerful narrative of passion, resilience, and survival against the rugged backdrop of New Zealand. With permission from the original filmmakers, this adaptation breathes new life into the story, transforming it into a unique dance experience that blends neoclassical ballet with authentic indigenous dance styles.

The scenography and video design are by Otto Bubeníček, a longtime principal dancer with Hamburg Ballet and an artist renowned for his stage projects with theaters like La Scala, the Vienna State Opera, and the Royal Swedish Opera. His stage projections integrate scenes from New Zealand, echoing the film’s setting.

The ballet combines segments of Michael Nyman’s unforgettable film score with pieces by Debussy, Arensky, Stravinsky, Schnittke, Brahms, and Shostakovich, creating a rich mosaic that resonates with the enduring emotional depth of the film, which won three Oscars and the Palme d'Or at Cannes.

Jiří Bubeníček joins the Ballet of Opera Plovdiv following notable productions with leading choreographers Leo Mujić, Radu Poklitaru, and Valentina Turcu.

Photograph of Abigail Boyle at Karekare Beach, Aotearoa New Zealand, by Ross Brown, 2017. Courtesy of the Royal New Zealand Ballet.