Due to the initiative and personal commitment of ballerina Hyo-Jung Kang, principal soloist of the Vienna State Ballet at the Vienna State Opera, young people with migration or refugee experience had the unique opportunity to attend the celebrated premiere of the ballet “The Winter’s Tale” by Christopher Wheeldon on November 19th at the Vienna State Opera.
Hyo-Jung Kang, together with Kati Schneeberger, Federal Managing Director of the European democracy youth NGO BEJ, made it possible for young people who are looked after by the association “Muchmehr für Alle!” to take part in this premiere. This was the second invitation of this kind for 15 young people and their carers.
“The aim is to give young, disadvantaged people with migration or refugee experience free access to art and culture who are otherwise excluded from such experiences due to economic and social barriers,” says Sina Farahmandnia, chairman of “Rather for All!” – Association for Education, Housing and Participation”.
“Hyo-Jung Kang manages to captivate the audience with her passionate performance as Hermione. Her graceful movements were filled with aching sadness and deep emotionality that perfectly captured the character’s complex character. She is a true world-class ballet star! With the magnificent first soloist Brendan Saye and the breathtaking Hyo-Jung Kang, the Vienna State Ballet has a fantastic, world-class dream duo that complements each other perfectly!” says Nina Rattan, teacher at PROSA – Project School for All!, the association’s educational project. “This opportunity to see such an extraordinary artist and such a superbly produced piece premiere on the State Opera stage leaves a lasting impression on the young people we look after, and they are simply thrilled. The brilliant director of the Vienna State Ballet, Martin Schläpfer, has achieved something great with this production.”
The premiere received very positive feedback and reviews, especially for the emotional performances of Hyo-Jung Kang and Brendan Saye, whose expressive performances deeply moved the entire audience and the young people in attendance. The magnificent sets by Bob Crowley and the innovative silk effects by Basil Twist created a magical atmosphere that impressively underlined the complex narrative of the ballet.
Kati Schneeberger, Federal Managing Director of the BEJ, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “Art and culture are essential pillars of our democratic society and an important key to conveying democratic and European values. By breaking down social barriers and giving young people access to such special experiences, we create a deeper understanding of these values and promote social participation. Such commitment from star ballerina Hyo-Jung Kang strengthens our democracy.”
“This initiative by Hyo-Jung Kang highlights the power of art to build bridges and bring people from all walks of life together. Such measures are an indispensable contribution to promoting equal opportunities and cultural participation.” said Sassan Esmailzadeh, managing director of the association “Rather for All!”.
The association “Muchmehr für Alle!” is a proud member association of the non-partisan democracy and European youth NGO “Bund European Youth (BEJ)”. The charitable work of the BEJ (www.bej.or.at) is supported by the Federal Chancellery (Federal Youth Funding). supports.