TRUE CRIME

a ballet triple Bill

Ballett am Rhein, Düsseldorf

Costume                                                                                               Bregje van Balen

Lighting                                                                                                     Christian Kass
Dramaturgy                                                                                                 Julia Schinke

For this ballet triple bill TRUE CRIME i created an abstract yet very versatile set that gives a framing for all three choreographies and that changes throughout the whole evening. Researching the subject, i chose a stark blue colored empty space with a huge grid of pendant lamps as a ceiling and a neon frame in the procenium and on the floor that reminds of an opened book. Having no orchestra gave us the possibility of using the space in the front as well, creating one huge unifying, abstract environment for all three pieces. Other elements are added or revealed in the progression of the piece. For the second piece of the evening, the huge space is wide opened and we see dancers in oversized judges robes and wigs. A cage is used like a small interrogation room. Using a compilation of podcasts and movie clips, true crime make-up tutorials and audio documents, Hege Haagenrud develops a fascinating body language that virtuously translates the audio documents into a perplexing sign language. Slowly, one pendant lamp is lowered on a victim and lights the scenery in a dim mood. Different strong side lights create a fascinating atmosphere of light and shadow.