Stabat Mater

In 1877, deeply mourning his three dead children, devout believer Antonín Dvořák composed the Stabat Mater to the lyrics of Mary’s mourning. The first line of the lyrics “Es stand die Mutter schmerzerfüllt” (Full of pain stood the mother) is the starting point for Steffen Fuchs’ first choreographical exploration of sacred music. Rituals and the iconography of Christian tradition are integrated into the flow of movement. The seeming discrepancy between liturgical text and the composition’s optimistic keynote evaporates. Detached from inner pain and personal grief, the choreography of the evening focuses on the universal hope of solace and overcoming all sorrows.

Ballet by Steffen Fuchs
Music by Antonín Dvořák „Stabat Mater“
Stage and costumes: Dorit Lievenbrück