A partnership between Birmingham Royal Ballet and Birmingham REP is to continue with live performances in June 2021 featuring two world premières.
BRB director Carlos Acosta is behind a triple bill, Curated by Carlos, which features the world première of City of a Thousand Trades, a one-act abstract ballet dedicated to the city of Birmingham.
It is being created by choreographer Miguel Altunaga and co-directed in rehearsal and with dramaturgy by REP associate director Madeleine Kludje. Music is composed by Mathias Coppens and performed live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. Designs are by Guilia Scrimieri and lighting by Michael Lee-Woolley.
The triple bill also includes Brazilian / British choreographer Daniela Cardim's Imminent, a new abstract work inspired by the feeling that something significant is looming and that change is imminent, and the UK première of Spanish choreographer Goyo Montero's physical work Chacona, featuring 16 dancers and set to music by J S Bach which will be performed live on stage by violin, guitar and piano.
Acosta said, “to be able to present work to audiences again will be a huge relief. The programme illustrates what I want this company to be and highlights our commitment to diverse talent.”
The REP’s artistic director Sean Foley added, “to have these very special performances from Birmingham Royal Ballet so soon after the first restrictions are lifted—and after so successfully starting our new collaboration during the long lockdown—is a wonderful testament to Birmingham's unique cultural spirit.”
Curated by Carlos will run at the REP from Thursday 10 until Saturday 12 June and will be followed by an adapted production of Sir David Bintley's Cinderella from Friday 18 until Saturday 26 June.