Cullberg / de Mille at Opéra Bastille

Pioneers of 20th century dance, Agnes de Mille and Birgit Cullberg both ventured along new pathways in order to translate the passions and inner conflicts of their characters into movement and bodily expression. In 1945, the American choreographer, Agnes de Mille exploited a story in the news to create Fall River Legend: exploring the tragic destiny of Lizzie Borden, who was suspected of having killed her father and her stepmother, she depicts the torments and sufferings of a character who is both victim and executioner. In 1950, the Swedish choreographer, Birget Cullberg, inspired by the work of her compatriot, August Strindberg, created Miss Julie, a work performed today for the first time at the Paris Opera Ballet. Evoking disdain and humiliation, seduction and repulsion, Cullberg stages a cruel huit-clos between an aristocratic young woman and her valet. These two striking pieces, both of them grave and profoundly theatrical, exemplify modern dance of the post-war period.