The Rite of Spring
2013
Intense and visceral, Christopher Hampson’s The Rite of Spring, created originally for Atlanta Ballet, was presented 100 years after the original production revolutionised the world of dance and music.
Set to Stravinsky’s exhilarating score, performed live by the full Scottish Ballet Orchestra, Hampson uses three dancers to reinvent the now-infamous story of remorseless human sacrifice with brutal physicality and primal energy.
This challenging work examines themes of violence, obedience and domination.
The Rite of Spring was first performed by Scottish Ballet in Dance Odysseys, a series of works presented by Scottish Ballet at Gelabert Azzopardi Companyia de Dansa during the 2013 Edinburgh International Festival.
Last performed: The Rite of Spring was last performed in 2017. For current productions, visit our What’s On page.
Scottish Ballet premiere: August 2013
Choreography: Christopher Hampson
Music: Igor Stravinsky
Design: Christopher Hampson & Robert Hand
Lighting: Robert Hand
‘Visceral and unrelenting’
The Herald
‘Demands your attention’
The Scotsman
Synopsis
Part 1
Then
In a place sheltered from the outside world, two brothers (one older, one younger) are immersed in their own thoughts and strong beliefs. They perform their daily rituals.
The brothers’ world is disrupted by the arrival of a woman, Faith.
Part 2
Now
In a place cut off from the outside world, the younger brother is imprisoned and dominated by the intense beliefs of his older brother.
The younger brother is presented with an escape in the form of a woman, Death.
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