Valencia

I have created this work in 1984, for the 25th anniversary of 
the Netherlands Dance Theatre. But I did so unintentionally. 
It was not planned.

My idea was to present a performance celebrating the four 
former artistic directors of NDT, Benjamin Harkarvy, Jaap Flier, 
Hans van Manen and Glen Tetley. Almost the entire company was 
involved, but at the general rehearsal Sabine, my wife mentioned 
to me that there are some dancers unhappy because they were 
not involved. They were: Kathleen Fitzgerald, Eve Walstrum, 
Rick McCollough, Leigh Warren, Jean-Louis Cabané and Patrick 
Dadey. I felt that something had to be done. After returning home 
I have discussed the issue with Sabine. We have listened to much 
music throughout the night I found something which we thought 
could be suitable for a "Piece d'occasion" for these six dancers.
Early next morning I have called them and asked if they would 
be willing to create a piece with me to be premiered in two day's 
time at the famous performance..!?

They all agreed. The result was an 8 minutes piece featuring: 
Rick McCollough as Carel Birnie (founder and then still the 
administrative director of NDT), Eve Walstrum and Kathleen 
Fitzgerald as his secretaries, Patrick Dadey, Jean-Louis Cabané 
and Leigh Warren as his "exotic and erotic phantasy". It was 
great fun to create it, and it is still great pleasure to see it again.
 
                    Jiri Kylián - May 18, 2020