As a Cloud Above the Sea by 420PEOPLE

Premiere: August 03th, 2025

Location: Sito Archeologico di Nora, Italy

CREDITS:

Choreography: Simona Machovičová

Dancers: Michaela Králiková, Eliška Jirsová, Florian Garcia, Eduard Adam Orszulik

Music: Never Sol Sára Vondrášková

Scenography: Andrea Forges Davanzati & Davide Volponi

Pictures (poster): Mayonesa Photography

Technical support: FREM GROUP & FREM ARTE

Production: Marta Lajnerová, 420PEOPLE

PR manager: Aneta Jochimová

Photo credit: Vojtěch Brtnický

Choreography As a Cloud Above the Sea presented at the archaeological site of Nora, located in the protected area of the Nora lagoon, connects contemporary dance with the region’s rich history and unique ecosystem. The performance is created specifically for this site, featuring three dancers and live music that blends electronic elements with the natural sounds of the lagoon. Staged on a platform also used for the local jazz festival, the piece actively involves the local context and reflects the fragile balance between human presence and natural preservation.

The choreography draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape as well as Sardinian cultural traditions and artistic legacies. Echoing the work and legacy of Grazia Deledda, the piece explores life by and within the sea—not only in its beauty and vitality, but also in its vulnerability. Deledda’s words, “One must try to live above one’s life, as a cloud above the sea,” guide the tone of the piece, which invites reflection on memory and the deep connection between people and place. Through movement and music, the choreography highlights not only the beauty of the lagoon but also its fragility and the necessity of its protection.

VÁCLAV KUNEŠ

420PEOPLE

420PEOPLE is a company of contemporary dance, in the name of which the creators have written a Czech telephone code. The ensemble was founded by dance choreographers Václav Kuneš and Nataša Novotná at the turn of 2007/2008 after their return from a stint with one of the world’s most prestigious dance theatre companies – Jiří Kylián’s Nederlands Dans Theater. Their shared vision to build their own contemporary dance company in Prague gave birth to the 420PEOPLE brand, which has been active on the Czech and international scene for 17 years.

The company is a combination of modern level of interpretation, professionalism, originality, thoughtful playfulness and courage. Since 2018, artistic director and choreographer Václav Kuneš has taken over the leadership of the company. 420PEOPLE collaborates with dozens of Czech and international dancers and artists on stage, in dance films and online live broadcasts. With such a breadth of scope, the company maintains a stable place among the finest independent arts entities. The company stages and performs more than 110 performances annually in the Czech Republic and abroad.

The activities of the company within the project are supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the City of Prague, Václav Dejčmar and Studio Maiselovka. The project Dancing Histor(y)ies is funded by the European Union. “Creative Europe” program (Project id: 101099222).

Website: https://www.420people.org/

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