THE CULTURE SHOW

CHAGALL REVISITED

This week we look at Marc Chagall's painting Commedia dell’arte, originally created for the Frankfurt Opera House in 1959.

Historically, the circus, one of Chagall’s favourite subjects, had grown from the theatrical features of the old Italian Commedia dell’arte. In this extremely large 'circus' painting, all of Chagall’s favourite performers can be seen, together with an orchestra and audience. Chagall’s work is filled with brilliant colour and exuberant activity -  it is joyous and life-affirming.

We will also hear Ana Sokolović’s Commedia dell'arte (I, II, III), an acclaimed trio of string quartets that bring the theatrical characters to life through music. Her very recently staged Clown(s) met with sweeping critical acclaim with reviewers recognising the work as a landmark contribution to contemporary opera.