SMILE, The Aalto in ESSEN tips its hat to Charlie Chaplin

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYgYcPOe9oc[/video]“Smile - what good is crying?' Charlie Chaplin in “Modern Times'

The two choreographers Ben van Cauwenbergh and Armen Hakobyan have proven that Charlie Chaplin and classical ballet go together splendidly.

The typical slapstick routines, the legendary Tramp character, and the unforgettable Jackie Coogan, who became famous as a child actor in “The Kid'. The affair, partly platonic in nature, with great figures like the dancer Anna Pavlova is artistically rendered in a love segment.

The entrée shows the private side of Charlie Chaplin, who feels a certain melancholy and sensitivity within himself. This is well portrayed as he applies his own makeup, slips into his controversially fitting clothing (the trousers too wide, the jacket too tight, huge worn-out shoes, small bowler hat) to become the Tramp.

Also, the music selection is both contradictory and harmonious. In addition to classical music such as Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 “Pathétique”, there are “Don't worry, be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin or “Way down in the Hole” by Tom Waits.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6WEy0eH8Xc[/video][video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU[/video]

The art of pantomime, this universal expression is rendered ineffective by the advent of sound films. Chaplin bends away from the role of the Tramp with “The Great Dictator' from 1940, which was nominated for 3 Oscars.

Here too lies the contradiction of the clown, a beloved character portraying the dictator, whose brutality plunges the world into a world war.

This film is the first of its kind, bold enough to openly criticize National Socialism.

The two choreographers have impressively revealed Chaplin's Address to Humanity, with his fears and undying hope, on screen.

“Yes, if one is not afraid of life, it is wonderful. All it takes is a little courage, imagination, and a bit of money.” Charlie Chaplin in “Limelight'