Italian Visual Artists to Document the Musical Theatre Premiere

The Magic Behind the Stage

“I feel like a chef preparing a dish from a recipe: the theatre provides the menu and the ingredients. If the ingredients are good and you know how to work with them properly, the result will be an excellent dish. The most important thing is not to overdo the seasoning, or in other words, the effects,” said Marco Chiodi, who is delighted to be involved in KVMT’s premiere.

The main aim of his professional work is to capture meaningful images without disrupting the natural flow of the choreography. Over time, this approach has helped the artist develop a distinctive style and an authentic way of seeing and interpreting dance.

“The greatest challenge comes from my own working principles, the filming method I choose and the editing process. The dancers move on stage, and I add my own movement to theirs by moving the camera. When it works, the result is spectacular, but it requires synchronisation, knowledge, a sense of timing and a bit of luck,” he explained.

Chiodi admitted that he is just as fascinated by what happens backstage as by what takes place on stage. According to him, backstage is where one can observe the creative process, get physically closer to dancers and choreographers, and ultimately film them from close range.

“I enjoy capturing dancers’ emotions, which sometimes go unnoticed from the auditorium because of the distance created by theatre architecture. I want to convey physical effort through facial expressions and breathing, sometimes even capturing the sound of breathing itself, and then bring all of that closer to the audience,” said the videographer.

Dancing in His Mind While Photographing

“Dance and photography are two different languages, yet when they meet, they can turn movement into an image and an image into a story. A photograph should not merely capture a beautiful moment; it should also possess its own narrative. Beneath the surface of a single image, beyond the visible movement, lies an entire world of feelings, emotions, experiences and visions,” shared Vito Lorusso, photographer at La Scala.

His approach to dance photography, where both aesthetics and storytelling are equally important, was shaped by his experience as a professional ballet dancer. Endless hours of training and practice accompanied him throughout adolescence. Later, as a professional performer, dance immersed him in the daily rhythm of rehearsals, performances and roles.

“Today I stand on the other side, holding a camera and trying to capture the beauty of the same world. Dance still evokes countless emotions in me, which is why I strive to give my images an emotional and narrative dimension that goes beyond aesthetics and the ability to freeze movement,” said Lorusso.

Before photographing a performance, the artist undertakes extensive preparation: studying available video materials, reading, researching references, and, whenever possible, watching recordings of the work several times. It is important for him to become familiar with the choreography in advance, anticipate jumps, lifts, changes of direction and emotional highlights.

“Very often I reach a point where I perform the choreography alongside the dancers in my mind,” he revealed.

Three Unique Worlds

The upcoming premiere of the dance triptych Fire Within is eagerly anticipated not only by audiences, as evidenced by the rapidly disappearing tickets, but also by the two Italian artists arriving in Klaipėda.

“I am grateful for the invitation to photograph this premiere presented by Klaipėda State Music Theatre. I believe that encountering new artistic and professional environments is always a tremendous source of inspiration, both personally and creatively,” said Vito Lorusso.

Having thoroughly studied the material, the photographer emphasised how different the three choreographic works of the triptych are.

While photographing Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, Lorusso will seek to reveal the harmony of bodily forms, spatial geometry and rhythm, while also capturing the humour that characterises the choreography. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Mammatus will provide an opportunity to convey instinctive physical energy, the interplay of light and shadow, and the tension between order and chaos. In Marco Goecke’s Nachtmerrie, the photographer intends to focus on the relationship between the two performers, the intimate dreamlike atmosphere, and the unexpected musical contrast.

A Space for Growth and Development

Ahead of this week’s premiere, on 12 November, Vito Lorusso shared his experience with KVMT photographers during a creative workshop that extended far beyond technical matters.

“In addition to camera skills and psychological preparation, I wanted to convey the importance of sensitivity, discretion and respect. Photographing dance is not simply about capturing an impressive movement. It means establishing a connection with what is happening, understanding its meaning, and attempting to express that meaning through your own visual language,” said Lorusso.

KVMT photographers Dominykas Mažūnas, Kęstutis Meliauskas and Eglė Sabaliauskaitė, who participated in the workshop with the La Scala photographer and lecturer, emphasised that the theatre allows them to work in a constantly evolving creative environment that encourages growth and exploration of new visual possibilities.

“When I received the offer to work at the theatre, I was genuinely excited. Having the opportunity to engage with productions created by outstanding artists, witness their work, understand their ideas and capture it all through photography is truly a remarkable opportunity. The music theatre presents productions of the highest calibre, and I have the chance to interpret and document them in my own way,” said photographer Kęstutis Meliauskas.

His colleague Dominykas Mažūnas, who has been working at the theatre for two years, agreed. “I have gained a great deal of experience here. I have learned to react quickly, adapt to changing lighting conditions, and capture the most important emotions and moments. I have also improved my portrait photography skills and my ability to communicate with people. In the future, I would like to focus more on documenting backstage life and rehearsals, as well as creating more artistic portraits of performers,” he said.

The premiere of the dance triptych Fire Within at Klaipėda State Music Theatre takes place on 13-14 November.

KVMT information