Lighting Designer

As death approaches, Elizabeth I of England is haunted by memories — real and imagined — of her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Two queens who never met, locked in a fatal dance of sex, jealousy, political intrigue, and religious warfare.

This major new production from Scottish Ballet’s choreographer-in-residence Sophie Laplane and co-creator James Bonas (The Crucible) draws on the complex, combustible relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England — two women who never met but whose rivalry defined an era. Laplane’s bold choreography blends classical technique with contemporary edge, reshaping their story with powerful originality.

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Mary, Queen of Scots

Lincoln Center

Two women. Two crowns. One story. The US premiere of Scottish Ballet’s newest creation, Mary, Queen of Scots, is a sweeping dance-theater work exploring power, identity, and the reverberations of the Reformation amid Europe’s dynastic conflicts—England rise toward global supremacy. As Elizabeth I nears death, she is haunted by memories—real and imagined—of her cousin, Mary, the Queen of Scotland. Two queens who never met, locked in a fatal dance of sex, jealousy, political intrigue, and religious warfare. 

This major new production from Scottish Ballet’s choreographer-in-residence Sophie Laplane and co-creator James Bonas draws on the complex, combustible relationship between Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I of England — two women whose rivalry defined an era. Laplane’s bold choreography blends classical technique with contemporary edge, reshaping their story with powerful originality. 

Soutra Gilmour’s striking, contemporary set is complemented by gritty and glamorous costumes that capture the grandeur of the Tudor era, with nods to haute couture and subversive street style. Guest Artist Charlotta Öfverholm, as the older Elizabeth, brings her rich storytelling expertise to the company’s acclaimed ensemble. 

A longtime Festival favorite since its American debut at Spoleto in 1986, Scottish Ballet returns with this bold new work blending history, movement, and music in a vivid reflection on ambition and legacy. Celebrated for its contemporary interpretations and groundbreaking collaborations, this is an iconic story unconventionally told: where Renaissance meets punk, where classical ballet meets visceral theatre, and where history becomes urgent, immediate, and unmissable.

Scottish Ballet: Mary, Queen of Scots

Gaillard Center

The Bottom brothers, two struggling playwrights in Renaissance London, need a hit. That’s easier said than done when your chief competition is local rockstar William Shakespeare. The Bottom brothers’ plan? Write the world’s first musical!

Something Rotten

Stratford Festival

In the bustling streets of New York, a smooth-talking gambler wagers he can charm a pious missionary, while another high roller desperately fights to keep his game alive and his fiancée from walking away. In a city ruled by chance, love takes unexpected turns and both men soon discover they are risking far more than money.

Guys and Dolls

Rural England, 1759. Halley’s Comet burns in the sky, and a young woman is sentenced to hang. But when she tries to escape the noose by claiming to be pregnant, a jury of twelve women are gathered to decide whether she is telling the truth. As tensions rise, their task becomes a reckoning: with the law, with power, and with the roles they’re forced to play in a world that silences them.

Tony-Award Nominee Lucy Kirkwood’s The Welkin (Chimerica, The Children) is a bold and blistering courtroom drama—by turns darkly comic and quietly devastating—about justice, duty, and righteous dissent.

The Welkin

Young Centre for the Performing Arts

Based on a true story, Sanctuary Song explores the story of Sydney, an elephant whose remarkable journey culminates in her release into a Tennessee sanctuary.

Sanctuary Song

St Clare's

Experience the timeless beauty of classical ballet with The National Ballet of Canada's production of "Swan Lake," directed and staged by the esteemed Karen Kain. This beloved masterpiece, set to Tchaikovsky’s dramatic score, will be performed from March 8 to March 22, 2025, offering audiences a unique interpretation inspired by Erik Bruhn’s landmark version. Artistic Director Emerita Karen Kain brings her personal touch to the production, emphasizing the love story at the heart of "Swan Lake" and commemorating her illustrious 50-year career with the company.

The story unfolds in a faraway kingdom where Odette, under the spell of the evil Rothbart, is doomed to live as a swan by day until true love can break the curse. When Prince Siegfried falls for Odette, Rothbart’s deception threatens their love, introducing the dramatic duality of Odette/Odile. This production revisits the classic tale with new choreography and a focus on the emotional depth of the characters, making it a heartfelt tribute to Kain’s legacy.

The production features sumptuous costumes and set designs by Gabriela Týlešová, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that transports audiences to a world of romance, betrayal, and the power of true love. The dual role of Odette/Odile, a pinnacle of classical ballet, showcases the technical prowess and dramatic range of the company's dancers.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness a fresh take on "Swan Lake," a ballet that continues to captivate audiences with its achingly beautiful music, timeless choreography, and the universal theme of love conquering all. Join us at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for a performance that promises to be a highlight of the ballet season.

Swan Lake

Canadian Opera Company

Emma was having the time of her life. Now she's in rehab. Her first step is to admit that she has a problem. But the problem isn't with Emma, it's with everything else. She needs to tell the truth. But she's smart enough to know that there's no such thing. When intoxication feels like the only way to survive the modern world, how can she ever sober up?

People, Places and Things

Coal Mine Theatre

When orphan boy Krabat enters the mill in Koselbruch for the first time, he has no idea what secrets are guarded here by the mysterious master miller. The twelve apprentices stacking sacks of flour under the creaking beams are not only taught earthly craftsmanship, but also the art of black magic. Krabat quickly makes friends here, but something seems odd: year after year, one of the mill workers mysteriously dies. The power of the master, who has devoted himself to evil forces, takes its toll in order not to be weakened

Krabat

German Oper am Rhein

Holiday magic is made year after year by Ballet Jörgen’s traditional treasure The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays.

Lighting Designer

Bonnie Beecher

Events

Past events

4 - 7 Jun, 2026

Mary, Queen of Scots · David H. Koch Theater

28 - 30 May, 2026

Scottish Ballet: Mary, Queen of Scots · Spoleto Festival USA

About

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