Khoma Brut: Aeden William Conefrey, Antons Freimans
Soul of Khoma: Kristaps Jaunžeikars, Philip Fedulov, Robert Nae
Young Lady: Yuliya Brauer, Paulīna Druka
Rector / Nobleman / Viy: Darius Florian Catana, Antons Freimans
Vasilina: Anastasija Blažnova, Justīna Teličena
Tyberii Gorobets: Kārlis Cīrulis, Robert Nae, Germans Ševčenko
Khaliava: Aleksandrs Osadčijs, Kiryl Baiduk, Germans Ševčenko
The ballet Viy. The Nights of Horror by the choreographer Radu Poklitaru with the music of Alexander Rodin, based on the motifs of Mikola (Nikolai) Gogol's story Viy, tells about the student Homa Brut’s encounter with dark forces. In the ballet, several characters have kept their names, but it is not an illustration to all known story. Performances, directed by Radu Poklitaru, are always creative rethinking of the place of action, the proposed circumstances and actions of the heroes.
“Viy exemplifies the worst of the worst in people. Each of us must make our own decision whether to fight it or seek a compromise with it, whether to withstand it or accept it, whether to change ourselves or go on living just the way we are. I don’t provide answers,” explains choreographer Radu Poklitaru.
The World premiere of the Radu Poklitaru’s ballet Viy took place at the Kyiv Modern-Ballet on June 20, 2019.
Recommended age: 12+
ACT I
Khoma Brut
Khoma – the young seminarian, carefree carouser, and womanizer – returns home after a wild night. He sees erotic fantasies in his dreams.
The seminarians attend lectures
Together with his companions. Khoma Brut and his girlfriend Vasilina – a touching example of love and loyalty.
The day-to-day studies
An endless string of lessons, filled with boredom and monotony.
At the end of the day
The seminarians return home after their lessons. Vasilina is waiting for her beloved Khoma to share some exciting news. She has received invitations to a prestigious nightclub.
In the Nobleman’s house
The Young Lady receives an expensive necklace as a gift from the Nobleman. Accompanied by the Lord’s guards, she’s off to a nightclub to have fun and party.
At the club
A rowdy audience has gathered. Khoma has arrived with his girlfriend Vasilina. His friends Tyberii Gorobets and Khaliava are also there. Intoxicated by alcohol, Khoma comes strongly on to Vasilina. She slaps him and leaves the nightclub, offended.
The arrival of the Young Lady
Just like a beautiful fairy of the night, the Young Lady appears at the club.
The Young Lady and Khoma
The Young Lady's bored gaze stops at Khoma. Their dance reminds of a tango, which embodies the energy of simultaneous attraction and resistance, typical of two strong characters. When the Young Lady rejects Khoma’s obtrusive flirting, he finally realises that it’s time to leave the club.
At Khoma’s house
Khoma’s inner turmoil is exacerbated by the appearance of the Young Lady. She frightens him, as though she’s turned into some hellish creature. The Young Lady subdues the boy, making him obey her desires. Their excessive nature makes Khoma feel completely spent. Like a witch, the Young Lady haunts Khoma, forcing him to soar over an incredible scene. Khoma struggles against it until the Young Lady’s magic is finally broken. Angry at the humiliation he’s been put through, Khoma becomes violent.
ACT II
At Khoma’s house
Alone, Khoma tries to understand whether last night’s events were just a product of his imagination or the unadulterated truth.
The arrival of the security guards
Khoma’s reflections are interrupted by the arrival of the Nobleman's guards. Khoma tries to escape, but the guards are unrelenting: they’ve been instructed to bring the boy to the Nobleman's house.
At the Nobleman’s house
Khoma, richly rewarded, reluctantly agrees to spend three nights at the church, all by himself, praying for the soul of the Nobleman's deceased girlfriend.
The first night at the church
In sheer terror, Khoma realises that the dead woman is the same Young Lady he knows. Khoma would love to run away, but he knows it’s no longer possible, since he’s already received the money from the Nobleman. To protect himself and his soul from evil spirits, Khoma draws a chalk circle around himself and starts to pray. The deceased Young Lady torments Khoma’s Soul because the chalk circle is preventing her from gaining access to Khoma’s physical body. Only at dawn, the rooster's song forces the infernal Young Lady to return to her coffin.
Memorial feast
Khoma is a guest at the memorial feast, trying with all his might to forget the events of the previous night.
The second night at the church
The Young Lady continues to torment Khoma’s Soul, except this time other dark spirits have come to her aid. The terrifying party is interrupted by the rooster’s song at dawn.
Khoma’s despair
Trapped in darkness, Khoma loses all hope of escaping. He is allowed to meet with Tyberii Gorobets and Khaliava who try to cheer up their despairing friend, but to no avail. Khoma feels that his fate is already sealed.
The third night at the church
This time, the Young Lady’s assault is joined not only by other evil spirits, but the all-powerful Viy. Only he is capable of breaking the protection of the chalk circle. Khoma looks into Viy’s eyes – and is vanquished. Khoma’s Soul leaves this world.
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