Terence Kohler’s full length ballet had its world premiere in May 2006 during the biennial 18 th European Culture Days in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Terence Kohler’s libretto is based on the great russian author Leo Tolstoy’s novel “Anna Karenina”. Anna recognizes how shallow her life is at the side of a husband who just behaves as a correct partner but has no understanding for the desires of her heart and soul. Luxury and a respected position in the St. Petersburg society cannot give her any compensation for the daily frustrations caused by her husband. Only the motherly care for her beloved little son seems to give meaning to her existence.

In his choreography Terence Kohler is concentrating on four main characters: Anna, Vronsky, Kitty and Levin and the development of their personal relationships. He shows the sudden mutual fascination of Anna and Vronsky, the growing and decay of their love ending in Anna’s suicide. At the same time the ballet shows the gradual growing of Kitty’s and Levin’s love happily ending in their belief of a strong conjointed future.

The tragic of Anna is caused mainly by a dishonest society which seems to tolerate adultery if it happens secretly but is not willing to accept Anna’s open and honest decision against formal rules. Initial rumours and gossip turn into aggressiv rejection. Finally also Vronsky’s lack of understanding for her mental conflicts are convincing Anna that there is no hope for a fulfilled life with him.

The ballet of the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe(Artistic director Birgit Keil)

Dancers from 10 different nations belong to this young company. More than half of today’s ensemble members have been trained by Birgit Keil and Vladimir Kols at the academy of dance in Mannheim and were scholarship holders of the private dance foundation Birgit Keil. The diverse repertoire of the company rangs from classical to modern pieces. Since the season 2003/4 the newly formed ballet company is under the artistic direction of the world famous former principle ballerina from Stuttgart Birgit Keil. The company gained recognition far above the region with a wide repertoire which cultivates a balance of classical and contemporary dance styles.

The tickets for Ballet "Anna Karenina" will be on sale soon!