At the center of this captivating story are Ignasi Monreal, Benjamin Pech, and their dog Boris, a couple living in a charming apartment in Rome. Love flourished five years ago when they met at an event and grew as they collaborated on the set design for Swan Lake ballet. For the past three years, they have tirelessly worked to bring Benjamin Pech’s newly adapted version of La Bayadère to life. Benjamin, who was a dancer in the original 1992 La Bayadère, now serves as the associate director of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. He has crafted a slightly modernized version that stays true to the original story but with a slightly modern twist, enriched with Ignasi Monreal’s stunning sets. He first paints on an iPad, and then the 30 painters from the theater’s atelier bring his visions to life on gigantic sets, all by hand, using unique painting techniques found only in Rome and Palermo. What makes this story even more special is the return of Isabelle Guerin and Vinicio Celi, who were part of the Nureyev’s version in 1992, to collaborate with Benjamin once again. Isabelle, a former étoile at the Paris Opera House, now assists Benjamin with dance and choreography, creating a full-circle moment of collaboration and admiration 30 years later. Throughout the length of the documentary, we bear witness the passion and dedication of everyone involved: from the meticulous choreography to the stage lighting design and every musician participating. This film is a tribute to the art, tradition, and collective effort that make ballet a unique and moving experience.
“Master of Art” Film Festival 2025
- Online edition, April 2025