Costume Designer

Aided by a variety of reference points, this three-part ballet evening delves into the world of the 1950s and ‘60s.

Scottish-born Kenneth MacMillan is one of the leading choreographers of the 20th century. His 1966 ballet «Concerto», set to the music of Shostakovich's second piano concerto, is a celebrated piece of pure choreographic poetry.

In Cathy Marston’s ballet «Mrs. Robinson» – based on the novel «The Graduate» by Charles Webb – a recent college graduate becomes involved with the attractive Mrs. Robinson, a married woman from his parents’ circle of friends.

Countertime

Zurich Opera House

Ian McEwan, born in 1948, is one of the most important voices in contemporary English literature. His successful 2001 novel Atonement is about a life spent atoning for an early debt: Through a deliberate false statement, Briony Tallis, a pubescent, overzealous writer in 1930s England, puts her older sister’s unfit lover in prison and destroys the lives and loves of two people

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Atonement

Opernhaus Zürich

The curtain rises and – wheat is harvested on the open stage! Star choreographer Alexander Ekman was inspired by the customs of his Nordic homeland to create a world-famous dance work of art.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Opernhaus Dortmund

Clara Schumann was very likely the most important pianist of her time. Her life – as a daughter, artist, wife, mother, carer, manager, and muse – was full of ups and downs, and she devoted it entirely to music. In a world dominated by men, she displayed a degree of independence and self-determination that was astonishing for a woman of her time.

Cathy Marston follows the path of this exceptional artist, and focuses on Clara and her divorced parents, her relationship with Robert Schumann, and her connection with Johannes Brahms in her ballet, which premiered in 2024. She tells of devotion and passion, inspiration and responsibility.

Clara

Understanding common requirements is part of the nature of artistic work. From there on progress can be made and new work created. The three choreographers whose works form the Common Ground performance share a connection with the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) in The Hague. Along with a shared artistic conviction, in which humour also has its place, their choreographies are interwoven with connections filled with subtle content – and all of them have had world premieres at the NDT. The first two are inspired by music for string quartet. And the first and third pieces are each based in their own way on the concept of seduction.

Costume Designer

Bregje van Balen

Events

Upcoming events

Dec 13, 2025 - Apr 24, 2026

Clara · Opernhaus Zürich

Mar 28 - Jul 14, 2026

Common Ground · Bayerische Staatsoper

Past events

5 - 14 Sep, 2025

Countertime · Opernhaus Zürich

14 - 22 Jun, 2025

Atonement · Opernhaus Zürich

About

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