Vers un Pays Sage

- Towards a land of wisdom -

Created in 1995, Vers un Pays Sage is one of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s most iconic ballet works. The choreographic piece, toured the world over, has become emblematic of the artistic identity of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. Vers un Pays Sage is also part of the repertoire of the Royal Danish Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Compagnie Grenade. It will be performed in July 2013 in Paris by the Vienna State Opera Ballet.

Jean-Christophe Maillot created Vers un Pays Sage in tribute to his father, the painter Jean Maillot, who died at a young age. The renowned passionate, workaholic colourist produced nearly 260 paintings, scenery and opera costumes. The energy that he devoted to his painting and life in general, is the common thread running through this ballet piece of rare physicality. Vers un Pays Sage is based on the frenetic music of John Adams. It does not allow the dancers the slightest respite. He sets them the challenge of reaching the end of the ballet… making it over the finish line... Quite simply Jean-Christophe Maillot has eliminated the slightest down time to celebrate life in all its glory, like his father who burned so brightly with an outrageous amount of energy.

 "Vers un Pays Sage has all the hallmarks of classic, one of those rare works that barely seem to age (...) it’s an exhilarating celebration of life lived to the full, clearly mage for a young company” DANCE EUROPE (Jan. 2016)

"Vers un Pays Sage is a procession of images, figures, beautiful, dazzling compositions that explode onto the scene in bursts and are inevitably reminiscent of the heady beauty of “Dance”." LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR (Dec. 2012)

Choreography: Jean-Christophe Maillot
Scenography: Jean-Christophe Maillot, Dominique Drillot
Costumes: Jean-Christophe Maillot, Jean-Michel Lainé
Lighting: Dominique Drillot
Music: John Adams - Fearful Symmetries
Picture from an original painting of Jean Maillot
Duration: 28 min

Premiere held on December 29th 1995, Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte-Carlo