IMAGICA EEX Integrates Advanced Digital Technology into Full-Scale Revival of Ballet 'Aleko'
A modern reconstruction of the classical ballet 'Aleko' utilizing high-definition digital archives and massive LED screens.
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- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 03:30
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IMAGICA EEX Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO/CCO: Haruyuki Moroishi) has announced its participation as a visual production and technical partner in the full-scale revival of the ballet "Aleko." The production will be held starting May 29, 2026, at "Box1000," the theater space within "MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives."
In this performance, four massive stage backdrops originally painted by Marc Chagall—each measuring approximately 15 meters wide and 9 meters high—will be reproduced in high definition on a permanent LED screen measuring 21 meters by 9 meters. This project represents a pioneering attempt to fuse cutting-edge digital technology with classical performing arts.
### Reconstructing Historical Paintings: Balancing Conservation and Expression
Chagall's original backdrops for "Aleko" have long been difficult to use in live performances due to the strict requirements for preserving the original physical artworks. However, by utilizing high-resolution digital archiving technology, this project has successfully digitized the paintings. This allows for the expansion of stage expression within a modern production environment while ensuring the protection of these precious artistic assets. The result is a surreal ballet experience where Chagall’s original colors and compositions vividly intersect with the physical expression of the dancers in a digital space.
### "Painting with Light": A New Expressive Method Overcoming LED Structural Differences
Traditional stage design relies on physical lighting directed at cloth backdrops (drops) to unify the artwork with the stage environment. Conversely, the massive LED screens at "Box1000" are self-emissive, meaning they cannot be illuminated by external stage lights in the same way. To address this challenge, IMAGICA EEX developed sophisticated CG lighting effects to simulate the appearance of physical light hitting the screen. Rather than relying on external fixtures, the team meticulously rendered light and shadow contrasts within the video data itself, preserving the texture and color of the high-definition artwork. This innovative approach shifts the paradigm from "projecting light" to "painting light with video," seamlessly blending the physical stage with the digital background.
### Next-Generation Cultural Expansion at MoN Takanawa
MoN Takanawa is a multi-purpose museum dedicated to bridging culture 100 years into the future by crossing boundaries between art and technology. IMAGICA EEX aligns with this vision of "restaging" classical arts through modern technology. The production methods developed here—harmonizing physical performance with large-scale digital art—hold significant potential for application in other fields such as Kabuki, opera, musicals, and large-scale live concerts. IMAGICA EEX aims to continue transcending existing concepts to create new spatial experiences across various entertainment sectors.
In this performance, four massive stage backdrops originally painted by Marc Chagall—each measuring approximately 15 meters wide and 9 meters high—will be reproduced in high definition on a permanent LED screen measuring 21 meters by 9 meters. This project represents a pioneering attempt to fuse cutting-edge digital technology with classical performing arts.
### Reconstructing Historical Paintings: Balancing Conservation and Expression
Chagall's original backdrops for "Aleko" have long been difficult to use in live performances due to the strict requirements for preserving the original physical artworks. However, by utilizing high-resolution digital archiving technology, this project has successfully digitized the paintings. This allows for the expansion of stage expression within a modern production environment while ensuring the protection of these precious artistic assets. The result is a surreal ballet experience where Chagall’s original colors and compositions vividly intersect with the physical expression of the dancers in a digital space.
### "Painting with Light": A New Expressive Method Overcoming LED Structural Differences
Traditional stage design relies on physical lighting directed at cloth backdrops (drops) to unify the artwork with the stage environment. Conversely, the massive LED screens at "Box1000" are self-emissive, meaning they cannot be illuminated by external stage lights in the same way. To address this challenge, IMAGICA EEX developed sophisticated CG lighting effects to simulate the appearance of physical light hitting the screen. Rather than relying on external fixtures, the team meticulously rendered light and shadow contrasts within the video data itself, preserving the texture and color of the high-definition artwork. This innovative approach shifts the paradigm from "projecting light" to "painting light with video," seamlessly blending the physical stage with the digital background.
### Next-Generation Cultural Expansion at MoN Takanawa
MoN Takanawa is a multi-purpose museum dedicated to bridging culture 100 years into the future by crossing boundaries between art and technology. IMAGICA EEX aligns with this vision of "restaging" classical arts through modern technology. The production methods developed here—harmonizing physical performance with large-scale digital art—hold significant potential for application in other fields such as Kabuki, opera, musicals, and large-scale live concerts. IMAGICA EEX aims to continue transcending existing concepts to create new spatial experiences across various entertainment sectors.
FAQ
What is the significance of the ballet 'Aleko' in this project?
It is a classical work based on Alexander Pushkin's poem 'The Gypsies' with music by Tchaikovsky. Its most notable feature is the set of four massive backdrops painted by Marc Chagall, which are the focal point of this digital revival.
How does digital technology solve the issue of art preservation?
Chagall's original paintings are too fragile for frequent stage use. Digital archiving allows these works to be displayed on high-definition LED screens, enabling audiences to see the art in its intended context without risking damage to the physical originals.
What technical innovation did IMAGICA EEX introduce for the stage lighting?
Because LED screens emit their own light and cannot be lit by traditional stage lamps, IMAGICA EEX used CG to 'draw' lighting effects directly into the video footage, creating realistic shadows and highlights that match the physical stage environment.