The Picture Of Dorian Gray

In this work which was premiered in 2011, Jiří und Otto Bubeníček present themselves together as confident storytellers in terms of choreography and dramaturgy. They are highly skilled in translating actions into movement. This work is based on the novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, a decadent novel which was once surrounded in scandal, and poses questions of morality, sensuality and hedonism. To the accompaniment of music by Keith Jarett and Bruno Muretti, the Bubeníčeks tell the story of the protagonist Dorian Gray who possesses a portrait which grows old in his place and on which the traces of his misdemeanors are etched, while he retains his youth and perfect beauty.

While the choreography of the energetic leading role is tailored perfectly to his brother Otto Bubeníček, his brother Jiří himself slips like a chameleon into different characters as Dorian’s companions as well as one other female role. He also dances the protagonist’s alter ego, mirrors him as his alter ego, as his conscience. The choreographers in this way add a further, therefore, psychological level to the work which is enhanced not only by merely telling the story but is given another dimension and makes it a captivating experience.