R:Evolution
Overview
“A stunning evening” (The Guardian) showcasing some of the greatest choreographers of the last century.
George Balanchine revolutionised ballet, combining speed, precision and a new dynamism to create the neo-classical American style. In 1947 in New York, he premiered Theme and Variations, set to music by Tchaikovsky. Since then, this showstopper for 13 couples has lost none of its wow factor. Think gorgeous tutus, fiendish steps and a dazzling finale.
That same year, in the same city, Martha Graham created Errand into the Maze. The visceral, rarely performed duet, based on the raw drama of Greek mythology, encapsulates her unique point of view. Known as the mother of modern dance, Graham changed the artform forever, becoming one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
Drawing inspiration from both these visionaries, William Forsythe has been pushing ballet to its limits for decades – and continues to do so. His choreography always surprises, as in his signature piece, Herman Schmerman (Quintet). Originally choreographed in 1992 for New York City Ballet (the Company founded by Balanchine himself), the work allows the dancers to let rip, to delirious effect.
Fast forward to today. David Dawson continues to evolve the language of ballet creating works that are extremely physical and emotional. Four Last Songs, from 2023, epitomises this. Underneath a glimpse of the heavens above, 12 dancers unite in Dawson’s poetic style to Strauss’s poignant song cycle, ushering in a feeling of serenity and the sublime.
The music for three of the works – by Tchaikovsky, Menotti and R. Strauss – will be performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, with soprano Madeleine Pierard singing Strauss’s masterwork.
On opening night, the lead roles in Balanchine’s Theme and Variations will be performed by Principal Guest Artists Alice Mariani, Principal Dancer at La Scala, and Ricardo Castellanos, Principal Dancer at Norwegian National Ballet.
Scroll down for casting for the four works in R:Evolution. Casting subject to change.
3 reasons to see
Reviews
Want to learn more?
R:Evolution: Interview with Aaron S. Watkin
Extract: George Balanchine’s Theme and Variations
Four Last Songs: Trailer
Errand into the Maze (Extract)
Extract: William Forsythe’s Herman Schmerman (Quintet)
Four Last Songs: David Dawson Choreography Insight
Staging Errand into the Maze
Four Last Songs: Madeleine Pierard on the music of Richard Strauss
Theme & Variations: Roberta Guidi di Bagno’s designs for Theme and Variations
Four Last Songs (Extract)
1947: A Golden Year in Dance – When Balanchine and Graham Changed Everything
Exploring Errand into the Maze
Graham101: What you need to know about Martha Graham
Meet the team
Please note casting is subject to change
Theme & Variations - Sadler's Wells Theatre, London
George Balanchine
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Roberta Guidi di Bagno
Marco Filibeck
Meet the Principal Cast
Theme & Variations
Errand into the Maze
Herman Schmerman (Quintet)
Four Last Songs
Theme & Variations
Errand into the Maze
Herman Schmerman (Quintet)
Four Last Songs
Theme & Variations
Errand into the Maze
Herman Schmerman (Quintet)
Four Last Songs
Theme & Variations
Errand into the Maze
Herman Schmerman (Quintet)
Four Last Songs
Theme & Variations
Errand into the Maze
Herman Schmerman (Quintet)
Four Last Songs
Performances
Sadler's Wells Theatre, London
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There will be an audio-described performance on 11th October at 2:30pm with audio-description by VocalEyes. Visually impaired patrons can go on a Touch Tour before the performance. Your tour guide will take you backstage, or onto the stage itself, to feel costumes and pieces of the set and learn more about the production.
To book onto a free Touch Tour contact engagement@ballet.org.uk, once you have booked your ticket to the show.
