Rite at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

This interdisciplinary evening in two parts features World Premieres inspired by The Rite of Spring that together present new perspectives on design, music and dance. Written in 1913 for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, The Rite of Spring is a ballet and orchestral concert work by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky with original choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky. More than a hundred years after its premiere in Paris, it is widely considered one of the most influential works that shaped 20th century art and remains revolutionary to this day.
New Work
World Premiere

Choreography: Emily Molnar
Set Design: Omer Arbel
Music: Jeremy Schmidt

In an hallucinatory, otherworldly homage to Stravinsky’s provocative The Rite of Spring, Emily Molnar collaborates with internationally renowned Vancouver-based designer and Creative Director of Bocci, Omer Arbel, alongside Jeremy Schmidt, a member of the band Black Mountain and “Vancouver’s godfather of contemporary space rock.” Molnar’s vision to challenge traditional choreographic thinking, together with Arbel’s innovative sense of the potential of space and design, and Schmidt’s cosmic exploration of sound, pay tribute to the origins of The Rite of Spring and its new way of perceiving and exploring the unconscious.

New Work
World Premiere

Choreography: Gustavo Ramirez Sansano
Music: Igor Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring
Set Design: Luis Crespo

The dynamic work of Gustavo Ramirez Sansano in this full-company reimagining of The Rite of Spring to the complete orchestral score takes a 21st century perspective “…about universal awakening. Rather than telling a story, I am more interested in dance as an expansion of feeling and emotion … an expression of something that is universal and personal at the same time.”; His vision is one where style and substance co-exist, freeing him to explore his craft with passionate, fresh inspiration while discovering anew the raw, percussive Stravinsky score. Ballet BC is the first company in Canada to commission his work. Formerly the Artistic Director of the Luna Negra Dance Theater, Sansano has created work for Compañia Nacional de Danza, Hamburg Ballet, Budapest Dance Theatre and Netherlands Dance Theater, among others.
Ages: Please be advised that this performance may contain mature content.