Domy Reiter-Soffer

“The Premier of Domy Reiter-Soffer's of LaValse Music by Ravel at the Abbey Theatre Dublin was an immediate gripping piece. This is because of the absolute understanding of the dissonant rhythms of Ravel's Music, lyrical one moment, threatening even oppressive, the next. There are dramatic breathtaking moments that lifts one of one's seat. The beginning with its edgy decadence mood art nouveau in style compliments the second dramatic part of Deco style. As always Domy Reiter-Soffer's work is intriguing and you know that you have missed half of what is going on and look forward to the chance to absorb it more fully the second time round”.
(Lindie Naughton- The Irish Press).

“The Irish National Ballet courageous opening last night at the Abbey Theatre Dublin demonstrate the strength of the company in a new world premiere of Domy Reiter-Soffer's “ La Valse ”, is a remarkable achievement, using the same Ravel's score that had been used by other choreographers most notably Balanchine. Reiter-Soffer manages to produce a work so individual and Dramatic as almost to wipe out the memory of their more lyrical interpretations.
From the moment we first see the Art Nouveau style of the first half we are transported in an elegant Paris Salon before the First World War, where Ravel's rejection by society was brilliantly characterized by the stunning and the opulent strong choreography – then later in the second half the Cubistic décor the mood is changed, creating the impression of a macabre dance of death.
The horror of war experienced by Ravel while in the ambulance service, are created in black and silver art Deco where the goose –step overrides the waltz. The whole production gets more and more dramatic as the final curtain falls leaving the audience gasping. It was true coup for the Irish National Ballet”.
(Carolyn Swift-The Irish Times).

“The opening night of the Irish National ballet at the Abbey Theatre Dublin was most rewarding evening, and the pride of place goes to the choreographer Domy Reiter-Soffer in his latest premiere of “ La Valse ” music by Ravel. This exquisite piece of music has attracted countless choreographers over the years ever since Diaghilev rejected it. The first half “ La Valse Noble et Sentimentales” with its Art Nouveau decor followed seamlessly by “ La Valse ” all in black and silver cubistic costumes.
Reiter-Soffer version is Dramatic and the staging is exquisite, perfectly presented and technically excuted. It is most compelling piece of dance theatre with the center character is Ravel himself. The first section is romantic and also dramatic with Ravel struggling to achieve recognition in spite of being rejected by the Paris society is poignant and moving. The second half depicts the recklessness of the society and the horror of war. This is a ballet that should be seen many times as it subtly conveys the affluent society being blinded by rhetoric, forgetting humanity until it is too late. This ballet is a stunning document and a theatrical achievement for the Irish National Ballet”.
(Graham Sennett-The evening Press)