For her debut in choreography and direction, English National Ballet’s Artistic Director Tamara Rojo has adapted Raymonda for English National Ballet at London Coliseum, bringing the story into the setting of the Crimean war and drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking spirit and work of the women supporting the war effort, including Florence Nightingale.
Raymonda has costume and set design by Antony McDonald, lighting design by Mark Henderson, dramaturgy by Lucinda Coxon, character dances by Vadim Sirotin and choreology research and advice on the Sergeyev notation by Doug Fullington. Alexander Glazunov’s original score, adapted and edited by Gavin Sutherland and Lars Payne, will be performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Rojo said, “it continues to be a part of my vision for English National Ballet to look at classics with fresh eyes, to make them relevant, find new contexts, amplify new voices and ultimately evolve the art form. I have truly enjoyed delving into the creative process of adapting and choreographing a large-scale ballet."
Raymonda is a co-production between English National Ballet and Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Following its run at London Coliseum 13–23 January 2022, it will be performed on tour at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre 30 November–3 December.