The Little Prince – March 19-28, Theatre Maisonneuve

SAINT-EXUPÉRY’S LEGENDARY TALE ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE

This narrative and dream-like ballet unveils a moving reinterpretation of the famous Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This time, the young boy is on planet Earth and is faced with the mysteries of our modern-day society. The novel’s main themes remain – friendship, solitude – making this ballet as universal as the children’s book that inspired it.

“The Little Prince is like the Bible – it’s a classic that will be with us forever,” says Gradimir Pankov, Artistic Director of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. Mr. Pankov commissioned Dutch choreographer Didy Veldman to create a new full-length dance work inspired by the much-loved story. The diverse musical score, arranged by Philip Feeney, ranges from the avant-garde Finnish composer Kimmo Pohjonen to Johann Sebastian Bach.

Didy Veldman was in her early twenties when she first read The Little Prince. Like many adults, she was surprised by the existential questions raised by what she presumed was a simple children’s story. After several re-readings, she felt the urge to translate its poetry and purity into movement. “I wanted to keep certain narrative elements,” she explains, “but not be overly literal. The Little Prince is a story about rediscovery. I would like to focus on aspects of human behaviour and life choices, to question them in the same spirit of the book. But this is only the starting point. Who knows where it will all lead?”

Dancer: André Silva
Photo: Jean-Laurent Ratel

www.grandsballets.com

For tickets and information:  www.laplacedesarts.com  514-842-2112 or 1-866-842-2112

LES GRANDS BALLETS PRE-SHOW TALKS

Beginning an hour before each performance, spectators are invited to pre-show talks. These exciting half-hour talks are a rare opportunity to gain insight on the work presented. Each pre-show talk will be hosted by journalist Shelley Pomerance who will share anecdotes on the production’s creative process, inspiration, music and costumes.

Purchase a ticket at the cost of 5$ at Place des Arts ticket office counter. Admission is free for Les Grands Ballets subscribers. Please note that for individual ticket holders, both the performance ticket and the pre-show talk ticket will be required at the entrance.