Opening 3 Oct 2024
Directed by:
Joachim A. Lang
Writing credits:
Joachim A. Lang
Principal actors:
Sam Riley, Lucas Gregorowicz, Hanns Zischler, Friedemann Vogel, Elisa Badenes
John Cyril Cranko, the renowned ballet dancer and choreographer, was born in 1927 and grew up in apartheid-stricken South Africa. At an early age he did not believe in the regime of his country. He had an unusual childhood, was often secluded, and occupied himself with puppet shows and dolls, to the dismay of his parents. As a young adult, he fled to London to continue ballet training and to seek a better life for himself. Though he became a successful dancer and choreographer, he was persecuted for his homosexual activities. So, he set off for Stuttgart in 1961 for a change of scenery, where he was welcomed with open arms by the ballet company.
Cranko (Sam Riley) brought innovative ideas and demanded absolute dedication from the new team he selected. He was appointed director of the ballet company, and even though this pushed his limits, physically and mentally, he put the Stuttgart Ballet on the map. Cranko’s work made a major contribution to the international success of German ballet. He received an invitation for a guest performance from the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1969.
Through his many highs and lows Cranko seems insatiable. Terribly lonely although his ballet company was thriving, he never found true love. He was adored and respected by his protégées, staff, and public although his ideas were sometimes unconventional. (Charis Habertag)
