The Shepherds Swan: a Short Ballet Performance of Retrospective Cultures, a Short Film
This thesis explores the amalgamation of Ethiopian and Polish cultures through ballet, music, and film. It features a unique reinterpretation of Ethiopian classical music, specifically Girma Yifrashewa’s piano rendition of Ashenafi Kebede’s The Shepherd’s Flutist, harmonized with a Polish ballerina’s performance. The project bridges distant cultures by blending the rich traditions of Ethiopian folk music with the expressive, theatrical nature of ballet.
The work delves into themes of cultural exchange, artistic authenticity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It presents a visual and auditory storytelling experience that emphasizes honesty in art and the wonders of combining distinct artistic traditions. By incorporating the Ethiopian Qenet modal system and showcasing a contemporary interpretation of retrospective cultures, the thesis aims to inspire appreciation for Ethiopian classical music and Polish ballet.
This short film stands as a time capsule, a creative dialogue between continents, and a testament to the power of art in building cultural bridges.