Liam Scarlett's Swan Lake reimagined in book form

Published: 22 June 2019
Reporter: Vera Liber

Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nunez Credit: Bill Cooper
Gary Avis as Rothbart Credit: Bill Cooper

Oberon Books is to publish a behind-the-scenes look at Liam Scarlett’s 2018 production of a classic ballet for The Royal Ballet in Swan Lake: Reimagining a Classic ahead of a revival of this production in March 2020, charting the creative process from design and studio rehearsal through to performance (available from 1 September 2019).

Scarlett’s new production of Swan Lake for The Royal Ballet opened in May 2018, receiving an Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Dance for John Macfarlane’s set and costume designs.

Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O’Hare said, "I’m thrilled to be able to share this unique look at our new production of Swan Lake ahead of its second revival as part of our 2019/20 season. Bill Cooper’s photographs bring the production and backstage craft to life in wonderfully vivid detail, and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate this landmark production with this very special illustrated book."

Scarlett, added, "to have Bill document the process of creating a new production of Swan Lake for The Royal Ballet has been extremely special, and I’m delighted with this companion book. Being able to share a unique behind-the-scenes look at the production will offer a wonderful insight into the process of reimagining this much-loved classical ballet, and one which has been extremely rewarding for me."

Photographer Bill Cooper said, "documenting Swan Lake in this way has been fascinating. From start to finish, I’ve been lucky enough to witness the craftsmanship and artistry of some of the most talented designers, costume-makers and performers in the world, and I’m delighted to be able to share an insight into Liam’s fantastic production with audiences with this special souvenir."

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