DVD + Blu-Ray:
Ein Sommernachtstraum - A Ballet by John Neumeier

When developing the idea of filming, I insisted on planning a true ballet film which, for me, is completely different than a documentary - John Neumeier.

“During creation, every new ballet seems a possible film. When developing the idea of filming “A Midsummer Night’s Dream“, I insisted on planning a true ballet film which, for me, is completely different than a documentary. I intended to put the audience into the ballet, to bring it closer. Within the three days of recording, we did not schedule a single complete run-through of the work. Instead, we recorded the film in sequences and with exciting camera positions which can be compared to the way one would film a drama.

What we really love when watching films, is the immediacy, the vibrancy of the moment. The camera being so close, means that we don’t want the dancers representing something, we don’t want them presenting something, we want them simply being – “now”. We want that spark of truth that springs towards us and that touches us.” (John Neumeier) In 1977 John Neumeier created one of his most popular ballets for the Hamburg Ballet: A Midsummer Night’s Dream based on William Shakespeare.

This production has been invited regularly for guest performances in Europe, Asia, North and South America. The Hamburg Ballet’s archives document more than 300 performances. In addition, the ballet has been produced by prestigious companies such as the Paris Opera Ballet and the Ballet of the Bolshoi.

Bonus film: The Artist´s Privilege - Interview with John Neumeier about “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Original title Ein Sommernachtstraum (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) - A Ballet by John Neumeier
Genre Ballet
Recording location Recorded at the Hamburg State Opera, 2021
Duration 149 mins (121 mins Ballet + 28 mins Bonus)
Production Company C Major Entertainment in cooperation with Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier and Hamburg State Opera
TV Director Myriam Hoyer
Composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, György Ligeti, traditional music for mechanical street organ
Choreography by John Neumeier
Dance Company Hamburg Ballet
Soloist Anna Laudere, Edvin Revazov, Alexandr Trusch, Hélène Bouchet, Madoka Sugai, Karen Azatyan, Jacopo Bellussi
Sets Jürgen Rose
Costumes Jürgen Rose
Light Design John Neumeier