The Gala Premiere of the Jiří Kylián Documentary Film.
Jiří Kylián is one of the most important choreographers of his generation. He spent most of his life in the Netherlands (since 1975), and he has been the Artistic Director of Nederlands Dans Theater for twenty-four years (1975-1999). Many important choreographers from all over the world have been invited into this company: Glen Tetley, Hans van Manen, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin and many others. Some of them danced within the company and created their first choreographies here: Mats Ek, Nacho Duato, Johan Inger, Paul Lightfoot, Alexander Ekman…
In 1978, NDT built its own theatre building for its company in Haag. It was the first building of its kind in the world. The opening of this theatre had been attended by Queen Beatrix, her husband Prince Claus and many leading personalities of the cultural and political life of the Netherlands of that era. The building had been designed by now the world-known Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. It was the very first building built by him.
The fact that NDT had its own theatre and also that it consisted of three companies: NDT I for dancers aged 20 - 40, NDT II for young dancers, recent graduates, and NDT III for masters 40 years and above gave this dance company a unique and extraordinary status. Even though the theatre was providing comprehensive technical background, space for administration and obviously state-of-the-art ballet halls, the decision was made to tear it down to make space for a new multi-functional cultural centre. The gradual demolition of these premises between 2015-2022, decided by the representatives of the City of Haag, had been preceded by many disputes.
This new, unique film follows the birth, life and death of the first theatre in the world dedicated to the art of dance. Its backbone has been created by a conversation between Jiří Kylián and the architect Rem Koolhaas. The film will be screened at the Golden Prague Festival 2022 for its world premiere.