GYPSIES GO TO HEAVEN

Gypsies go to heaven

The unique and original combination of two Slovak, yet global, artistic bodies and the expression of the spontaneous and elemental culture of nomadic Gypsies is brought to the stage by director and choreographer Ján Ďurovčík in a completely new, captivating music and dance extravaganza .

It is full of surprising and breathtaking dance scenes performed by the Slovak Dance Theatre.

It is full of virtuoso dulcimer solos by Ernest Šarközi and other members of the Gypsy Devils orchestra.

It is full of love and desire, freedom and liberty.

Ján Ďurovčík's music and dance extravaganza "Gypsies Go to Heaven" is inspired by the legendary story of Moldovan director Emil Loteanu, who sold out cinemas and won awards at film festivals in the 1970s.

The original film is based on the short stories of Maxim Gorky and takes place in the northeast of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

Slovak Dance Theatre of Ján Ďurovčík

- our most prestigious modern ballet company. Its art has been applauded by audiences all over the world - from New York, Beijing, London, Rome to Tokyo and other world capitals.

Positive, sometimes even enthusiastic reviews in world periodicals, such as the New York Times, El Pais, China Daily, and Helsingin Sanomat, are a guarantee of an experience that viewers around the world and in Bratislava, as well as in other Slovak cities, can look forward to.

Gypsy Devils Orchestra

- brings original new virtuoso compositions, fusions and unique arrangements, combining unusual musical combinations with a great dose of temperament.

They enrich the music world not only with their own musical projects, but also with projects they have created for symphony and chamber orchestras, as well as for many other great artists with whom they collaborate.

They also combine classical works with other musical genres and insert unmistakable changes in rhythm and harmony, enriched by their own virtuosity.

Ján Ďurovčík (choreography and direction):

"Years ago, I participated in the musical version of this work as a choreographer, and even then the idea was dormant in me that this theme, this culture, and this story would be wonderful to process as a dance performance."

Well, who else could one wish for such a collaboration than the Gypsy Devils.

What we create fills us with pride.

And there was also a desire to join forces with Saška Grusková, a Slovak, now world-famous artist, with whom we created several beautiful works. I believe that the new theater space STARS auditorium will add even more brilliance to this performance.”

Ernest Šarközi (music):

"Gypsies Go to Heaven is a title that has been associated with me since early childhood."

I remember watching this film for the first time at the cinema with my parents when I was five years old. That's when I started to become aware of my Romani background and asked my parents a lot of questions.

I had been carrying the idea of adapting this work in my head for many years. When the offer came from Jan Ďurovčík, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of happiness, but also a huge responsibility to satisfy the director, as well as the audience who are used to the original version.

I remember when Janko Ďurovčík gave me my first assignment. When I sent him the first recording, I was very worried about what he would say. The phone rang and he said it was great. I was glad that we sat down with each other.

I hope that the audience will feel the same joy from our work and enthusiasm as we did in creating this new work.”