Warp and Weft Triple Bill, Marylebone Theatre
A trio of choreographers will weave three reimagined narratives into Warp and Weft, a programme of contemporary ballet at Marylebone Theatre
Warp and Weft in rehearsal. Photo: Aaron Thao
Londoners eager to experience fresh narratives in dance need look no further than Warp and Weft, a new triple bill of contemporary ballet.
The production, which features new works by Aaron Thao, Richard Bermange and Marika Brussel, premieres at Marylebone Theatre this month.
Yarn is transformed into cloth thanks to the interlacing of two sets of threads – vertical warp threads and horizontal weft threads. Warp threads are the strong and constant foundation of the textile, while weft threads are the fluid and flexible pattern-making element.
Warp and Weft looks set to embody life’s rich tapestry by updating the fabric of three existing tales to resonate with audiences today.
The American choreographer Aaron Thao is artistic director of Hudson Ballet Theatre, which he founded in 2015 after performing with ballet and dance companies throughout the US. He will present a modern retelling of Othello in Iago v Othello.
Thao’s interpretation applies the Shakespearean tragedy’s themes of manipulation, jealousy and death to go-getters at a law firm. When loyalties are betrayed, Iago goes to extremes to bring those around her to their knees.
After the interval there comes a dark comedy from London-based choreographer Richard Bermange, whose credits include a Swan Lake for National Ballet of Ireland and four years as ENBYouthCo’s creative director. He will explore power dynamics in The Maids, inspired by Jean Genet’s 1947 play Les Bonnes.
Two maids take turns role-playing as their Mistress whenever she is out of the house. The end-goal of this ritual is the murder of Mistress, which is surely the only way the duo can free themselves and reassert their identities.
Billed as a character-led work that challenges expectations, Bermange’s ballet will pose the question ‘who is the real villain of the piece?’.
Completing the programme is By a Thread, a re-envisioning of The Odyssey by London-based American choreographer Marika Brussel. Recognised for reshaping narratives to refresh their relevance, her ballets have been commissioned by companies such as Kansas City Ballet, Sacramento Ballet and Hudson Ballet Theatre.
By a Thread spotlights Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, known for her fidelity.
Penelope was pursued by mobs of suitors while Odysseus was taking his time returning from the Trojan War. She spent her days at her loom and promised the suitors she would choose one to marry as soon as she finished her current project. But, ever the faithful wife, each evening she secretly unravelled what she had woven that day.
Brussel will put women at the centre of the story by reimagining Penelope as a military wife who becomes a leader.
Literature, theatre, dance or ballet fan? Seize your opportunity to be among the first to see how these choreographers have contributed their own threads to enduring stories.
The production, which features new works by Aaron Thao, Richard Bermange and Marika Brussel, premieres at Marylebone Theatre this month.
Yarn is transformed into cloth thanks to the interlacing of two sets of threads – vertical warp threads and horizontal weft threads. Warp threads are the strong and constant foundation of the textile, while weft threads are the fluid and flexible pattern-making element.
Warp and Weft looks set to embody life’s rich tapestry by updating the fabric of three existing tales to resonate with audiences today.
The American choreographer Aaron Thao is artistic director of Hudson Ballet Theatre, which he founded in 2015 after performing with ballet and dance companies throughout the US. He will present a modern retelling of Othello in Iago v Othello.
Thao’s interpretation applies the Shakespearean tragedy’s themes of manipulation, jealousy and death to go-getters at a law firm. When loyalties are betrayed, Iago goes to extremes to bring those around her to their knees.
After the interval there comes a dark comedy from London-based choreographer Richard Bermange, whose credits include a Swan Lake for National Ballet of Ireland and four years as ENBYouthCo’s creative director. He will explore power dynamics in The Maids, inspired by Jean Genet’s 1947 play Les Bonnes.
Two maids take turns role-playing as their Mistress whenever she is out of the house. The end-goal of this ritual is the murder of Mistress, which is surely the only way the duo can free themselves and reassert their identities.
Billed as a character-led work that challenges expectations, Bermange’s ballet will pose the question ‘who is the real villain of the piece?’.
Completing the programme is By a Thread, a re-envisioning of The Odyssey by London-based American choreographer Marika Brussel. Recognised for reshaping narratives to refresh their relevance, her ballets have been commissioned by companies such as Kansas City Ballet, Sacramento Ballet and Hudson Ballet Theatre.
By a Thread spotlights Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, known for her fidelity.
Penelope was pursued by mobs of suitors while Odysseus was taking his time returning from the Trojan War. She spent her days at her loom and promised the suitors she would choose one to marry as soon as she finished her current project. But, ever the faithful wife, each evening she secretly unravelled what she had woven that day.
Brussel will put women at the centre of the story by reimagining Penelope as a military wife who becomes a leader.
Literature, theatre, dance or ballet fan? Seize your opportunity to be among the first to see how these choreographers have contributed their own threads to enduring stories.
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| What | Warp and Weft Triple Bill, Marylebone Theatre |
| Where | Marylebone Theatre, Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London, Nw1 6XT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Baker Street (underground) |
| When |
22 Jun 24 – 23 Jun 24, Sat at 19:30, Sun at 13:00 Dur.: 2 hours inc one interval |
| Price | £31.50 (concessions available) |
| Website | https://tickets.marylebonetheatre.com/tickets/series/WarpandWeft |