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GEO
Cast Info Plot
State Ballet of Georgia
Season 165 

May 15, 2017

David Toradze

Gorda
Ballet in 2 acts
 
Choreography by Vakhtang Chabukiani
Choreographic version and staging by Nina Ananiashvili
Libretto by Vakhtang Chabukiani and Otar Egadze
 
Gorda - David Ananeli
Irema - Ekaterine Surmava
Javara - Lali Kandelaki
Mamia - Philip Fedulov

Samaia dance:Vika Kikabidze, Shorena Khaindrava, Tamta Bakhtadze
Alalme dance:  Maia Iluridze-Pratt
Georgian dance:  Tamar  Chelidze, Manuchar Sikharulidze
Oriental dance: Anna Muradeli , Yuma Sumi
Harem’s dancers: Shorena Khaindrava, Vika Kikabidze, Tata Jashiashvili
Mtiuluri dance: Giorgi Kalmakhelidze, Giorgi Koridze

Georgian Folk Song and Dance Company "Rustavi"
Director: Pridon Sulaberidze
 

Conductor: Revaz Takidze
Production designer: David Monavardisashvili
Costume designer: Anna Kalatozishvili
Lighting design: Jesper Keningsboro
Animation: Studio Opio
Assistants to the choreographer: Liliana Mitaishvili (People's Artist of Georgia), Lali Kandelaki, Ekaterine Shavliashvili

Ballet premiere - December 30, 1949
New choreographic version premiere - February 12, 2016
Two-act ballet Gorda by Davit Toradze was premiered on December 30, 1949 at Tbilisi Z.Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Theater. Otar Egadze and Vakhtang Chabukiani worked on ballet libretto, based on Daniel Tchonkadze’s story Surami fortress. 

Production design of premiere was made by young Pharnaoz Lapiashvili; conductor was Didim Mirtskhulava. Gorda’s main part was performed by Vakhtang Chabukiani, Irema by Vera Tsignadze, Javara – Irine Aleksidze, Mamia - Zurab Kikaleishvili.

In 1957 premiere of new choreographic version was held (Gorda – Zurab Kikaleishvili, Irema – Vera Tsignadze, Javara – Liliana Mitaishvili, Mamia – Revaz Magalashvili).

In 1973, fire destroyed entire repertoire of scenery and costumes. Several performances required restaging, including Gorda. In 1974, one more premiere was presented at Labor Union Culture Palace. This place eventually became haven for artists abandoned without theater.

In 1985 new choreographic version of Gorda was staged at Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. Production design was by Ivane Askurava, conductor was Revaz Takidze; leading parts were performed by Zakaria Amonashvli and Nukri Magalashvili (Gorda), Ala Abesadze and Victoria Laperashvili (Irema),Lia Bakhtadze (Javara).

Zurab Kikaleshvili was the last to restage Gorda in 1996. Leading parts were performed by theater soloists VasilAkhmeteli (Gorda), Yuri Sorokin (Mamia), Lia Bakhtadze (Javara), Ketevan Mukhashavria (Irema). The last performance of this version was held in 2002.

In 2015 restaging works began by Nina Ananiashvili, artistic director of the theater. She created new libretto versions and ballet Anchorchoreographic version , together with creative team who worked on Gorda’s production - Liliana Mitaishvili and Lali Kandelaki, Ekaterine Shavliashvili (Assistant to the Choreographer), David Mukeria (Conductor), David Monavardisashvili (Production Designer), Ana Kalatozishvili (Costume Designer), Jester Keningsboro (Production Design), Studio Opio (video animations).
ACT 1
Young sculptor Gorda carves into the rock image of the secretly beloved princess. Girls are running in, noblewoman Javara among them, insanely in love with Gorda. She is certain that sculptor creates a portrait of her.

Sound of the horn: the king and his daughter Irema are hunting. Princess is gloomy as eagle caught her best falcon. None of the royal retinue could manage to free predator. Only Gorda succeeded. Irema catches a sight of her image at the rock. Princess falls in love at first sight with young man and presents him rescued falcon.

Nobleman Mamia is in love with Irema and envies the success of rival. The king, admired with the agility of a young man invites participants of the hunt to royal palace.

Javara who witnessed Gorda and Irema’s meeting, gets suspicious, and recognizes princess in Gorda’s sculpture. Desperate Javara declares her love to Gorda. In a state of jealousy Javara kills falcon presented by Irema. Indignant Gorda leaves.

Life has lost its meaning for her. She is only driven by power of revenge. Javara raises the murdered eagle and takes arrow out of its chest. She vows revenge for her rejected love.

Feast takes place at royal palace, where Gorda is present as well. Confrontation between Gorda and Mamia is vivid in their dance. Irema stands in the middle and sets them apart. Feast is interrupted by the appearance of the Eastern ambassadors. Khalif requires marrying the only daughter of the king - Irema. Enraged king sends refusal letter to Khalif.

As the best shooter, Gorda must take the king's response to the eastern masters. Irema in sadness sees off Gorda in a dangerous journey and presents her amulet.


ACT 2

Fest at Khalif’s palace. He is looking forward to getting news from Georgia. Georgian ambassadors are escorted to palace. Gorda delivers king’s rejection. Furious Khalif, orders to behead the ambassadors. In an unequal battle Georgians get killed. The only left alive is Gorda, who kills Khalif and dives into the sea.

After tough and exhausting path, Gorda notices familiar monastery and realizes he is at homeland.
Time has passed. Gorda and Irema live happily together with their son-Badri. But suddenly they are informed about sad news-it is the third time that fortress is crumbling, which serves the only bulwark against the invasion of foreign intruders. The king sends Gorda and Mamia to renowned prophetess for an advice.

Oracle turns out to be Javara who recognizes the loved one. Javara is delighted as the revenge has come. She gives Mamia an arrow (which struck eagle). “The only way to build indestructible fortress is to immure son of the owner of the arrow in the wall” – says the oracle. Mamia leaves, Javara stops Gorda, who did not recognize her, and reminds about herself.

King commands to examine the arrow. Arrow turns out to belong to Gorda. Badri’s parents are in despair.
Meanwhile, intruders invaded the country. Gorda leaves for battle. People demand conformation with Javara’s prophecy. Javara grabs away son from Irema and heads to fortress to immure him.

Gorda hits an enemy commander. Defeated enemy gives up. Gorda’s bravery delivers homeland from danger and rescues Badri from death sentence.




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