The songs of Carmina Burana, based on medieval poems by monks in the 11^th through 13^th centuries, illustrate the cyclical nature of fate, and rhythms of human experience. Designed around the shifting tides of fortune, the ballet unfolds in three acts, mirroring the themes of Carl Orff’s evocative cantata: The Wheel of Fortuna, In Taberna, and Court of Love.

The narrative begins with the dramatic “O Fortuna” chorus, establishing the ballet’s central motif of fate’s capriciousness. The stage bursts into a red hue, showcasing life’s vivacity, while key dancers capture the exuberance and unpredictability of revelry. The second act begins when love torments the man. The music and energy shift to a reflective tone on the sorrows of unfulfilled connection.  

The final act returns to a dynamic celebration, contrasting the fleeting moments of happiness with the relentless wheel of fortune. Despite tribulations, the wheel continues to turn. The circular structure of the production paints the strain between joy and despair, illustrating the eternal dance between fate and human resilience. 

This powerful performance captures the timeless struggle for harmony amidst life’s relentless cycle.