"Carnation," the Dance Work Where "Flowers Bloomed on Stage," Returns to LG Arts Center After 25 Years

Signature Work by German Choreographer Pina Bausch
A Stage Filled with 9,000 Carnations

"I was shocked to see flowers blooming on the stage."

Choreographer Nayoung Kim described the powerful impression she received when she first saw the work "Carnation" by German choreographer Pina Bausch (1940-2009) during her studies in Germany. The reason for this is that "Carnation" is performed on a stage filled with as many as 9,000 carnations.

LG Arts Center, which first introduced "Carnation" as its opening performance in 2000, is bringing the work back to the stage as a special production from the 6th to the 9th, marking its return after 25 years. "Carnation" was premiered in 1982 by Tanztheater Wuppertal, the German dance company led by Bausch as artistic director. This work also brought Bausch international acclaim.

At a press conference held at LG Arts Center on the 4th, Nayoung Kim said that after seeing "Carnation," she became curious about Bausch as a choreographer and, in 1996, became the first Korean to join Tanztheater Wuppertal. In 2000, Kim performed as a dancer in the "Carnation" production commemorating the opening of LG Arts Center, and for this performance, she is participating as a rehearsal assistant.

The moment that Nayoung Kim found shocking when she first saw "Carnation" was not simply the stage filled with carnations. She said that, unlike when she studied ballet in Korea, she was struck by the absence of a prominent lead dancer in Bausch's work.

"I learned ballet in Korea, and in ballet, there are principal dancers and a corps de ballet whose role is to highlight the principals. In 'Carnation,' however, there is no particular lead dancer who stands out; every dancer takes on a different role. I had to watch many dancers at once, and it felt like so much was happening on stage all at the same time."

Kim added, "Bausch used to say, 'We are beautiful because we are different.' That was one of her philosophies."

"Carnation" begins with female dancers in long dresses dragging chairs onto a stage covered with 9,000 carnations. Men wearing military boots also appear, marching and trampling the carnations. By the end of the performance, the flower field is scattered, leaving a lasting impression. The work is beautiful, yet at the same time, it reveals a reality where oppression and control exist alongside beauty.

Hyunjung Lee, Director of LG Arts Center, explained, "Even amid oppression and violence, the work speaks of a certain humanity and hope for people."

Daniel Zickhaus, Artistic Director of Tanztheater Wuppertal, said, "Bausch's works are artistic representations of human life itself. Many of her works resonate with our actual lives and realities." Zickhaus continued, "There are certainly scenes in 'Carnation' that are violent or show how power operates, but Bausch never forces her own interpretation on the audience. The essence of Bausch's works, including 'Carnation,' lies in their boundlessness, without borders."

Nayoung Kim also explained, "When working with Bausch, she did not say much." Kim added, "Bausch would give us a theme and wanted the dancers to think for themselves. At first, it was very difficult, but now the way I work has been greatly influenced by how I worked with Bausch."

LG Arts Center has had a long-standing relationship with Bausch. Starting with "Carnation," the center has presented eight of her works in Korea. In 2005, to mark its 5th anniversary, the center commissioned Bausch to create a work based on Korea, resulting in the performance of "Rough Cut." In 2010, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the center staged Bausch's "Caf? M?ller & The Rite of Spring."

After its run at LG Arts Center, "Carnation" is scheduled to continue its performances at Sejong Arts Center on the 14th and 15th.