Costume Designer

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.

Common Ground

Max-Joseph-Platz

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

Zurich Opera House

A mysterious Christmas Eve, a sparkling Christmas tree, and a very special present: Clara is about to experience a night that could only happen in a fairy tale. The nutcracker she receives as a Christmas present becomes the gateway to a magical world where toys come to life, mice fight, snowflakes dance, and dreams come true

The Nutcracker

Oper Leipzig

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

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

Once upon a time, there were three Princesses, who did not intend to play second fiddle in a first-class fairy tale. And so after their royal parents went on holiday and a wicked sorcerer abducted their brother, Prince Jan, they wasted no time in setting out into the world to seek him. During their adventurous journey, they win the love of the masters of the Sun, the Moon and the Wind, who decide to help them. But will the Princesses succeed in thwarting the warlock Triglav’s plans, setting free the enchanted Morning Star and restoring order in the universe?

The Sun, the Moon and the Wind

The Estates Theatre

The very title of this two-part ballet promises an evening of contrasts: tempo versus slowness. In 2027, the ballet world will celebrate Jiří Kylián's 80th birthday. For over three decades, he shaped the profile of Nederlands Dans Theater, which, under his direction, has developed into one of the world's leading contemporary ballet companies. The Prague native has also been associated with the Zurich Ballet since 1997. In slow motion, six figures move through his piece "Last Touch First," reminiscent of Chekhov and Ibsen. On the fine line between perceived movement and immobility, psychodramas full of desire, despair, and pathos unfold. Canadian-born Stephanie Lake is one of the most important dance figures in her adopted home of Australia. She is resident choreographer of the Australian Ballet and resident choreographer with the Semperoper Ballet. With her Melbourne-based Stephanie Lake Company, she tours the world. In her creations, she explores the relationship between the individual and the collective. She is choreographing a fast-paced group piece for the Zurich Ballet to a new score by Robin Fox, dominated by percussion instruments.

Costume Designer

Bregje van Balen

Events

Upcoming events

Sep 15, 2026 - Apr 10, 2027

The Sun, the Moon and the Wind · Národní divadlo

Jan 16 - Jun 3, 2027

Slow Rush · Opernhaus Zürich

Past events

Mar 28 - Jul 14, 2026

Common Ground · Bayerische Staatsoper

Dec 13, 2025 - Apr 24, 2026

Clara · Opernhaus Zürich

About

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