International ballet superstar Roberto Bolle has long been an idol to many, and Paris Opera Ballet soloist Lam Chun-wing, who began studying dance at a young age, is no exception. Lam shared that while he never had the chance to perform alongside Bolle, the opportunity to engage in a profound conversation with him was a rare honor. "Our discussion extended beyond mere dancer insights, delving into how body, emotion, and art converge and manifest on stage," Lam said.

This matured dance legend, standing at the pinnacle of the ballet world, is poised to captivate Hong Kong audiences. The ballet Caravaggio, choreographed by Mauro Bigonzetti, will premiere at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, marking its Asian debut. For Bolle, bringing this ballet – one imbued with the spirit of the Italian master painter – to Hong Kong holds profound significance. In the realm of art, Caravaggio's contributions and influence are extraordinary.

Lam first truly encountered Caravaggio's paintings in Parisian museums and churches. "The figures in those paintings seem to leap from the darkness, brought to life by the brush, their emotions raw and direct," he exclaimed. "His significance in Western art history lies precisely in his revolutionary chiaroscuro technique and his use of religious themes to capture humanity. This visual language remains utterly compelling, even across centuries."
 

Ballet superstar portrays famous Baroque painter in dance

While studying ballet in Hong Kong, Roberto Bolle was already a name dancers looked up to – his work constantly admired online and in DVDs. His lines, power, and stage presence epitomized the world's top leading dancers. Over the years, Bolle has graced stages worldwide, from Milan's Teatro alla Scala to performances across numerous countries. He has also performed at the opening ceremony of the Italian Winter Olympics, for the British Royal Family, and at various historic venues.

While most dancers retire from the stage between the ages of 35 and 40, he continues to perform at 50, sustaining his passion for ballet. Today, he places greater emphasis on the meaning of the works he performs, conveying emotions he wishes to share with his audience.

Those studying art in Europe are certain to have heard of the painter Caravaggio. This Italian master revolutionized 17th-century painting and is celebrated for his use of extreme light-dark contrasts and naturalistic depictions of human characters.

Bolle recalls being profoundly moved as a child upon first encountering Caravaggio's paintings in an Italian church. Though he did not fully grasp the religious or historical themes, the powerful use of line and contrasts of light and shadow deeply resonated with him. Caravaggio became one of his favorite artists, and this early impression later flowed naturally into his dance.

The ballet Caravaggio presents life through interwoven narratives. The production is quintessentially Italian – from its theme centered on the Italian painter to its choreography, music composition, and lighting design all being crafted by Italians – deeply embedding the dance within its culture. But since its 2008 launch in Berlin, Germany, the ballet had never been staged in Italy.

Bolle, himself Italian, felt this work should first be shared with Italian audiences. Last year, he personally produced and led a tour of the ballet. Witnessing Italian audiences embrace the production brought Bolle immense satisfaction. Now, he aims to take it worldwide, with Hong Kong as its first stop in Asia.

Though named after the painter, the ballet does not follow a linear narrative of Caravaggio's life. Instead, it abstractly portrays the artist's symbolic universe of light, shadow, and beauty. These three elements were profoundly significant to Caravaggio. In the ballet, three female soloists personify these elements.

Through their body language, they express the beauty and hope brought by light, while also conveying the torment and pain inflicted by the shadows.

Bolle holds a deep appreciation for Asian audiences, specifically noting that they observe details of performances, seeking to understand the underlying structure and emotion within the dance, rather than merely pursuing sensational, surface-level appeal.

For the Hong Kong debut of Caravaggio, Bolle personally selected the soloists. These dancers may not be the most famous, but they are the most suitable to interpret each thematic element.

This work places immense demands on the body. It does not rely solely on the speed of movement or the height of jumps to captivate, but rather requires dancers to maintain extraordinary focus and inner tension within the play of light and shadow. Every pause, every turn, is like a brushstroke on canvas – demanding precision and courage.

Bolle suggested that audiences familiarizing themselves with Caravaggio's paintings and life beforehand would better grasp the intent behind the stage lighting and composition. Yet even without prior knowledge, the ballet alone would be sufficient to draw viewers back to this great painter long after the curtain falls.

The ballet will run from March 7 to 9 at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets are available on the URBTIX website.