In one of his most famous films – Modern Times – Charlie Chaplin struggles desperately against the monotony of his work on the assembly line of a factory. In one scene, he gets caught up in an oversized gear train while still dutifully tightening the screws – a symbol of the modern world of work and the power of its machines over people. In today’s “modern times”, we too are driven. Many of us are no longer able to relax or unwind without feeling guilty. Every free minute is filled with tasks and appointments: more and more is demanded in less and less time. Social networks also play their part. Dance thrives on speed – but also on calm. The dance evening Modern Times takes a moving look at the rhythm of life and its changes.

Modern Times

Oper Graz

The Divine Comedy, Divina Commedia, is the main work of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) and is considered the most important work of Italian literature and the basis for the modern Italian language. In it, Dante describes the stages of a journey through an otherworldly world. The Roman poet Virgil leads the author, who is also his own main character, through hell and purgatory. On their way, Dante and Virgil encounter the countless souls of the deceased, who tell of their respective fates. In paradise, Dante finally meets his childhood sweetheart Beatrice. In his reunion with her, the poet discovers the power of love and finds inner peace and tranquillity.

Choreographer Estefania Miranda uses the literary model for an “expansive” choreography. She asks about people’s greatest fears and desires and what might await our souls after death. She transfers the biblical deadly sins into a contemporary context. In the first part of the evening, we experience various choreographic installations on a journey of discovery through the opera house, which translate torments and sins into a contemporary dance language. In the second part of this sensual Gesamtkunstwerk, the audience follows Dante’s path to paradise from the auditorium as usual.

La Divina Comedia

Italian Brian Scalini, Australian Jack Traylen and Etay Axelroad from Israel take on the exciting challenge of discovering dance from a new perspective and presenting an evening together in mutual inspiration. The three young choreographers approach dance in very different ways. Each of them has a unique choreographic signature and bold ideas. They show “pure dance”, close to the audience: sensual, provocative, powerful and surprising.

Mireia González-Fernández

Events

Past events

May 20 - Jun 18, 2026

Modern Times · Oper Graz

Jan 17 - Mar 7, 2026

La Divina Comedia · Oper Graz

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