MADDADDAM

We are presented with a performance that translates the intricate narrative structures of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novels into the language of movement. You will experience a physical exploration of a future world, where the choreography aims to mirror the unsettling atmosphere and complex societal shifts found in the source trilogy. The evening is shaped by a focus on world-building through dance, moving away from traditional narratives to create a vivid, perhaps startling, landscape. Listen for a score that supports this sense of dislocation, and watch for how the dancers use sharp, intricate gestures to convey the tension of a society in transition. The production focuses on the intersection of human instinct and technological consequence, using the ensemble to create large-scale stage pictures that reflect the scale of the literary setting. By the end of the evening, the company will have navigated a journey through various states of survival and rebirth, offering a starkly contemporary perspective on the classical form.

The Royal Ballet and Opera, based at their historic home in Covent Garden, are recognised for their ability to blend high-level classical foundations with pioneering contemporary work. This production is directed by Wayne McGregor, who is well known for his long-term collaboration with the company and his distinctive, highly intellectual approach to choreography. The ensemble is celebrated for its technical versatility, often tackling demanding new commissions that push the physical boundaries of the dancers. You will see the company utilizing their rigorous training to inhabit a style that is often fast, fluid, and biologically inspired.

This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London. As a full-scale ballet production, it is a significant evening for those interested in how modern literature can be adapted for the stage. The setting is grand, yet there is no formal dress code required to attend. If you are a first-time visitor, the venue offers various spaces to wait before the curtain. While the running time is not specified here, major productions at this venue typically include intervals. The work is suitable for those who appreciate contemporary aesthetics and serious thematic material over traditional fairy-tale ballets.