S Y N O P S I S

This is the first ever full-length ballet of the Caracalla Dance Theatre. It is also the first production to be performed outside Lebanon: at the Osaka Cultural Fair in Japan (1972) in the presence of Prince Mikasa from the Imperial House of Japan, and brother of then Emperor Hirohito.

This kaleidoscopic creation became a landmark in the history of Lebanese dance. The orchestration, the costumes, the lighting, the choreography - all the elements of this spectacle are acknowledged to be the product of a passionate theatrical intelligence and a unique cultural identity.

As the title suggests, there are three movements to the piece. Each is quite different to the others. ‘Today’ is a depiction of village life. It relies on highly expressive gestures to narrate the story. ‘Tomorrow’ allows the dancers to show off their dazzling techniques. ‘Yesterday’ evokes a beloved past without obviously mourning for its loss.

Caracalla’s choreography, manifested through the voluptuous bodies of his dancers, is influenced by Martha Graham, yet remains obviously rooted in his cultural identity. This is a formula which will pave the way for the creation of the “Caracalla Dance Style” and the success story of the company: the subtleties, the tradition, the heritage, the spectacle, and the Oriental influence became Caracalla’s trademarks.