Dante’s epic poem La Divina Commedia has been adapted into a contemporary dance to mark the 10th anniversary of Naupaca Dance Factory.

Just like the masterpiece, Divina is structured in three visually distinct acts: Inferno (hell), Purgatorio (purgatory) and Paradiso (heaven) and the journey will be narrated through dance, poetry, song and music.

The concept behind this production is the exploration of states of being, rather than simplified narration.

Apart from the three main characters, individual bodies in Divina represent states of emotion, not specific characters.

The main protagonist is met with an unexpected representation of love in hell narrated through the story of Paolo and Francesca.

Purgatory offers a state of transition, exploring a state of meditation and purification.

Dante’s final journey through heaven takes the audience closer to perfection with the entrance of Beatrice, who represents both innocence and knowledge.

The obsession and incessant search for perfection and beauty is at the heart of Divina.

Naupaca Dance Factory has collaborated with a number of renowned, local musicians who provided the original music score that follows the choreographed script.

In the leading roles, Sergey Kheylik will dance the role of Dante, Francesco Mariottini will be Virgil and Naupaca Dance Factory’s Deborah Agius is Beatrice.

The first performance will be on October 18 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, with a repeat performance on October 24 at the Aurora Opera House, in Victoria.

For more information visit http://mcc.com.mt or http://teatruaurora.com .