She Was Black is a semi-abstract surreal adventure in a similar non-narrative spirit as several of Ek’s recent works. The stage design by Peder Freiij is bare and sparse adorned with fragments of decor -The bare stage room, signed by Peder Freiij with fragments of decor – a cut off staircase, a distorted wall – all form a distinctive, singular landscape. A sense of impending settlement or resolution to something is the result. The ballet’s title alludes to a dialogue from a Beppe Wolgers’ revue:
“I dreamed of God last night.”
“How did he look?”
“She was black!”
Designed by Ellen Ruge, the lighting is restrained and austere, allowing the stage to remain in a half darkness that further enhances its desolate atmosphere.
She Was Black is accompanied by the Polish composer Henryk Góreckí´s string quartet Quasi una fantasia, dedicated to the black Madonna. The music is in a minor key lending it a tragic sound. This accentuates the overarching mood in Ek’s choreography, a formal explosion of movements and emotions.
Music:
Henryk M Górecki: Almost a fantasy
And the Kronos Quartet