LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A sense of exploration, line, and sculpture has always been at the heart of Wayne McGregor’s oeuvre, and London’s Royal Ballet may have just gained a further glimmer of his creative polish in its repertoire.
With the world premiere of a new work by choreographer Wayne McGregor, titled Alchemies, the opening night brimmed with power and poise. Alchemies is presented alongside the Company’s first revivals of Yugen and Untitled, 2023. Following the announcement that McGregor will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Dance Award as part of this year’s Olivier Awards, this programme stands as a perfectly timed testament to the choreographer’s boundless imagination and collaborative spirit.
Saul Nash for Alchemies by Wayne McGregor
Saul Nash for Alchemies by Wayne McGregor
The world premiere marks McGregor’s latest work for The Royal Ballet following MADDADDAM in 2024. Set to music by British composer Bushra El-Turk—a blend of brand-new composition and selected existing works—her music has previously featured at the Royal Opera House, including her multimedia opera Woman at Point Zero in the Linbury Theatre. The new work features designs by British talent Saul Nash, himself a choreographer and movement director, who draws on his knowledge of dance to inform his designs.
Saul Nash for Alchemies by Wayne McGregor
“I have always admired Wayne’s work, so it feels surreal to be able to collaborate with him on this new piece,” Nash told GLASS. “He has always been a huge inspiration to me. I remember going to the Rain Room several times when it was at the Barbican. The creative process was quite organic, and I spent a lot of time at the Royal Ballet and Opera for fittings. The amazing thing about costumes is that they are couture garments uniquely built to the bodies of each dancer,” he adds. “It was really exciting to ensure there was a recurring thread throughout the costumes while allowing each dancer to display a unique sense of expression.”
Saul Nash for Alchemies by Wayne McGregor
For Nash, designing for ballet is simply another strand of his creative practice in movement. “I do not see it as too far removed from what we explore within the realms of fashion,” he concludes. “It is another vehicle through which to express movement, so creating a costume is not so much a pivot as it is an extension.”
by Chidozie Obasi