Imperium

A Holland Festival production that was performed in the ring of Carré. De Châtel chose for early baroque music and an anecdotal starting point: court intrigue between successive queens. In other words: it was about love and jealousy, manipulation and scheming behaviour. Costume designer Rien Bekkers made royal blue costumes of velvet and lace. At the rear of the stage Niek Kortekaas placed a pile of chairs, which crashed down dramatically just before the end.

The sublime De Châtel conquers Carré. Choreographer elevates simple step to royal stride. (Trouw)

Together the five men form the entourage of two dominant women. One of them is evil through calculating refinement, the other is imposing through her naturally overbearing nature. The continuous power struggle becomes increasingly evident, while the individuals are subjected to ever-greater uncertainties. De Châtel has used this theme in a surprising and fascinating way. While the usual De Châtel elements are clearly present (…) new aspects are also accentuated. A subtle use of theatrics and an equally subtle and restrained show of emotion. (NRC Handelsblad)

premiere 5 June 1990, Carré, Amsterdam
choreography Krisztina de Châtel
dance Hans Beenhakker, Job Cornelissen, Cathy Dekker, Janine Dijkmeijer, Oerm Matern, Dries van der Post, Paul Waarts
music Henry Purcell – The Indian Queen: Act 2, King Arthur: Overture, Ode for the Birthday of Queen Mary: Overture, Hail! Bright Cecilia: Hail!, Dido and Aeneas: Act 2 Scene 1, Ode for the Birthday of Queen Mary (‘Come ye sons of art’): Strike the Viol, King Arthur Act 4 nr. 30: Passacaglia, Dido and Aeneas Act 2 Scene 1, King Arthur Act 3 nr. 20 (Prelude while Cold Genius rises) nr. 24 (Prelude) nr. 25 (Chorus of Cold People), Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary: March, Ode for the Birthday of Queen Mary (‘Come ye sons of art’): See Nature, rejoicing’
stagedesign Niek Kortekaas
light Henk van der Geest
costumes Rien Bekkers
photography Ben van Duin