Schwerpunkt William Forsythe

**Film Discussion: With Members of the Production *In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated* (Vienna State Ballet)**

William Forsythe is regarded as one of the most important choreographers of our time. Through his unique exploration of classical ballet technique, he has continuously developed the art form and transformed the way we experience it. This film matinee highlights the work of the American choreographer from various perspectives with two documentaries:

With *The Barre Project – Blake Works II*, William Forsythe created a stunning film about the foundation of all ballet—the daily practice at the barre—during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating with Tiler Peck, Principal of the New York City Ballet, and the brilliant dancers Brooklyn Mack, Roman Mejia, and Lex Ishimoto, the production was named "Production of the Year 2021" by *tanz* yearbook.

In contrast, the French documentary *William Forsythe au travail* takes us back to the late 1980s. With André S. Labarthe's subtle camerawork, we are given an intimate look into the choreographer’s thoughts and working methods during rehearsals with the New York City Ballet and the Frankfurt Ballet. It was during this period that Forsythe created his revolutionary masterpiece *In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated*, which is performed by the Vienna State Ballet as part of the program *Shifting Symmetries*.