A special premiere is being prepared in Hungary’s dance scene as Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri comes to life on stage in three acts in Szeged. The production follows the concept of “3 colors – 3 choreographers” and presents the worlds of Hell, Purgatory and Paradise in a modern, abstract form.
The performance by the Szeged Contemporary Ballet explores fundamental questions of human existence, the search for happiness and the process of inner purification. The dance piece inspired by Dante’s monumental classic premiered at the chamber stage of the Szeged National Theatre.
Rather than simply retelling the story of the literary masterpiece, the production acts as a philosophical dance poem reflecting the condition of modern humanity. The performance is divided into three movements – Hell, Purgatory and Paradise – each representing a different stage of contemporary existence.
From modern chaos to inner light
According to the creators, the source of unhappiness lies not in external circumstances but in our own behavior, particularly competition and the desire for possession.
- Hell, choreographed by Giovanni Napoli, is interpreted not as a place of physical punishment but as the noisy chaos of consumer society, where individuals lose their connection with themselves.
- Purgatory, choreographed by Thomas Martino, is described as the “quarantine of the soul,” a space where confronting one’s sins and experiences can lead to transformation.
- Paradise, choreographed by Gergely Czár, symbolizes arrival, human-scale happiness and the completeness of inner transformation.
An international creative team
The joint production of the Szeged Contemporary Ballet and the National Dance Theatre promises a visually striking experience. The stage design was created by Kázmér Tóth, costumes were designed by Bianca Imelda Jeremias, and lighting was conceived by Dániel Szabó. The musical background is a carefully assembled montage supporting the emotional depth of Dante’s journey.
Artistic director Tamás Juronics previously emphasized that the aim of the piece is to make audiences reflect on what happiness means today and how people can find their way back to the “right path” amid the chaos of the modern world.
After the premiere, the performance will be shown several more times in Szeged before moving to Budapest, where audiences can also see the production at the National Dance Theatre.
Photo: Yvette Frank
