The San Francisco Ballet's AI-inspired production, under Tamara Rojo's artistic direction and Aszure Barton's choreography, captivates with vibrant dance and striking visuals. Although the plot is abstract, the performance excels in sensory engagement, showcasing a talented ensemble and innovative musical elements. A stunning display of contemporary ballet artistry.
By foregrounding their vibrant humanity, humour, and flaws against a backdrop of unspeakable violence, the piece strikes a poignant chord. Minor pacing hitches and deliberate narrative opacity do little to dull its visceral punch. The result is a profoundly chilling, intellectually dark hour of theatre that lingers.
Ihsane leaves its audience fundamentally altered. It is a masterpiece of profound emotional gravity, a triumph of radical compassion that shines as a beacon of hope against the darkness of world conflict
Ivo van Hove's powerful staging of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America at the King's Theatre transforms the epic into a relevant commentary on modern societal fractures. Despite rapid pacing and condensing narrative arcs, the production captivates with emotional depth and magnetic performances.
"Four Walls and a Roof," directed by Lina Majdalanie and Rabih Mroué, explores modern exile and political censorship through a historical lens. While intellectually rich, its academic execution detracts from theatrical engagement and emotional impact.
Eloise Robertson's review praises Stijn Van Opstal's adaptation of Chekhov's The Seagull, highlighting its innovative use of Flemish Sign Language, engaging supertitles, and strong performances.
In A Trial at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Christiane Jatahy transforms Ibsen’s themes into a modern courtroom drama, exploring political dissent and corporate corruption through an engaging, interactive performance highlighting moral complexities.
The 2026 Edinburgh International Festival, led by Nicola Benedetti, centers on American independence's 250th anniversary through cross-disciplinary works exploring freedom and prejudice. Featuring immersive performances across various genres, the festival encourages active audience engagement while tackling contemporary issues like authoritarianism, cultural assimilation, and the opioid crisis, creating a vibrant cultural discourse.
Written by David Ireland Directed by Finn den Hertog Review by Dominic Corr Lyceum Theatre: Tickets ★★ A fraction of a degree away from our own believable reality, that’s the brilliance of David Ireland’s writing. Never so outlandish, it tips into fantasy, just enough of a distorted reflection to feel wholly believable, even if the … Continue reading Review: Edinburgh International Festival 2024 – The Fifth Step
Composed by Mozart Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte Conducted by James Gaffigan Directed, Set and Costume by Kirill Serebrennikov Review by Dominic Corr Festival Theatre: Tickets ★★★ Sometimes, the best conceits are in the realms of subtlety. And even with opera’s penchant for taking things to a more lurid level of extravagance, at least visually, there … Continue reading Review: Edinburgh International Festival 2024 – The Marriage of Figaro
