29 January – 10 February
METAMORPHOSES, a thrilling double-bill of dance by Kim Brandstrup, completes the 2023/2024 Deborah Warner Season at the Ustinov Studio
Metamorphoses, by acclaimed choreographer Kim Brandstrup, will feature a new work alongside his acclaimed 2022 success Minotaur. The double bill, performed at the Ustinov Studio from Monday 29th January to Saturday 10th February, is the final highlight of the 2023/2024 Deborah Warner Season – which has showcased theatre, opera and three recital performances over the past four months.
One of the undoubted highlights of the theatrical year in 2022, Kim Brandstrup’s Minotaur returns to Bath fresh from the coup of appearing at the Edinburgh International Festival; this time paired with a brand-new work, both exploring mythological sources. The idea of metamorphosis harbours human dreams of magical transformation and divine intervention – yet ideal resolution is always hindered by human shortcomings and sobering reality.
Minotaur recounts the story of Ariadne, her love of Theseus, the death of her brother the Minotaur and her abandonment by her lover. In the depth of her despair the gods intervene and Dionysus carries her away to otherworldly safety and bliss. In Apuleius’ Metamorphosis, Psyche is allowed to meet her lover, Cupid, only in the dark. In three nocturnal encounters they circle each other in the dreamlike shelter of darkness – but ultimately have to face the light – and each other.
The double bill offers a truly unique opportunity to experience close up some of the finest dancers in the world including ballet superstars Matthew Ball and Alina Cojocaru, fellow Royal Ballet principal Kristen McNally and Olivier Award nominee Tommy Franzen. Choreographer Kim Brandstrup is renowned for his work over four decades with the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, English National Ballet and Rambert.
Metamorphoses appears at the Ustinov Studio from Monday 29th January to Saturday 10th February. To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or book online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov
Photo credit: Claire Egan
(2022 cast pictured)
