Azerbaijan, Baku, July 27 / Trend V. Imanov /
This project is a performance by ballerinas on the scaffolds erected on the building of the Opera and Ballet Theatre. The Theater will be closed for repairs that will take up to 4 years, this occurrence is a cause of anxiety for some of the performers.
The Opera and Ballet Theatre has its own unique atmosphere and spiritual aura that was formed by both the architectural aspects and the reverent love of the ballet company and regular viewers. Ballerinas, dancing on the scaffolds, is an impressive symbol of anxiety and disturbance, expectations and nostalgia. In a way they protest against such a prolonged break. They eagerly want to work, perform and dance...
Normally we observe ordinary workers wearing dirty overalls on scaffolds, but now we have sophisticated ballerinas in their snow-white clothes which can be construed as a tragicomedy. This performance can certainly give evidence to one point, the whole-hearted love of ballerinas towards their art, their profession and the Opera and Ballet Theatre. After all this building itself was built as a true manifestation of love...
Historical Background
The history of the Opera and Ballet Theatre is linked to the oil boom in Baku in the early XIX and late XX century, which led to the first oil tycoons and millionaires. During this period a famous female singer came to Baku and her striking beauty had charmed many men especially the one wealthy gentlemen. The singer performed at different halls that were not worthy of her talent and level of professionalism. When asked whether she would return to perform in Baku, the answer was unfortunately negative due to the lacks of proper theatrical venues.
This prompted this gentlemen who was desperately in love with her to assure her that he would build a theatre in one year and name it after her so that she could visit Baku and take part in the opening ceremony. Despite some difficulties the enamoured millionaire kept his word and the theatre with the capacity of 1800 people was built.
The new Opera and Ballet Theatre opened its doors on the 28th of February 1911. Her admirer impressed the famous singer during her second visit to Baku.
