Ek / Forsythe / Quagebeur

Renowned Swedish choreographer Mats Ek creates a new version of The Rite of Spring – his first for English National Ballet.

Ek revisits his 1984 version of the iconic ballet to confront themes of sacrifice and renewal. The piece for 20 dancers will feature new choreography, costume and set designs by Marie-Louise Ekman, lighting by Linus Fellbom, and Stravinsky’s visceral score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

“It is a huge honour and a privilege to have Mats Ek create a new work on us”, says Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director. “He is a master choreographer with a long history of impactful and imaginative works, and I can’t wait to see him create closely with our dancers.”

This new work will be performed alongside Blake Works I, a soulful piece by William Forsythe set to seven songs from James Blake’s album The Colour in Anything. Solos, duets and intricate group formations brilliantly combine to reflect the poetic melodies and words of Blake’s music.

Completing the bill is Take Five Blues by Associate Choreographer Stina Quagebeur, which premiered last year and will be expanded for 2022. Under moody lights, dancers let loose to a jazz-inflected soundtrack, flaunting their talent and spurring each other on. As the recording of Nigel Kennedy’s arrangements of classical and jazz standards reaches its peak, so do their dancing feats.

Priority booking opens to Great Friends and Benefactors on Wednesday 11 May, and Friends on Friday 13 May. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday 16 May.

The Rite of Spring contains references to death.