Wayne McGregor's Alchemies: A Spellbinding Triple Bill at Royal Opera House
Wayne McGregor, the Royal Ballet's resident choreographer for two decades, has long been known for creating dance that is intellectually impressive yet sometimes perceived as emotionally distant. However, his latest triple bill, Alchemies, presented at the Royal Opera House in London, offers a warm and human counterpoint to this reputation. This production, which includes two existing works and one world premiere, features some of McGregor's most expressive and captivating choreography to date.
A Legacy of Innovation and Influence
McGregor's appointment as resident choreographer at the Royal Ballet was initially controversial, given his background in contemporary dance rather than classical ballet. Over the past 20 years, his influence has profoundly transformed the company, broadening its artistic horizons and pushing dancers to become more versatile. While early works might have appeared awkward on classically trained performers, the new generation of dancers now embraces McGregor's complex contortions with ease. This evolution is a testament to the mutual influence between choreographer and dancers, blending incredible physical facility with lyrical expression and communicative instinct.
Untitled, 2023: Stark Minimalism and Expressive Depth
The triple bill opens with Untitled, 2023, a piece that sets the tone through its beautifully stark minimalism. Inspired by designs from Cuban artist Carmen Herrera, the stage features a single green triangle against a white backdrop and a geometric sculpture, creating a focused aesthetic. This simplicity is mirrored in the choreography, where every sharp, thrusting limb movement is accentuated, highlighting the clarity of line. The orchestral score by Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir adds dynamic texture, shifting from claustrophobic tones to ominous swells and sudden majesty. The piece concludes with a richly expressive solo by Calvin Richardson, evoking hints of Merce Cunningham while incorporating feline curves and stretches.
Yugen: Gorgeous Music and Swoon-Worthy Dance
In contrast, Yugen from 2018 is a visually and audibly stunning work, despite its somewhat shapeless, Christmassy red costumes. Set to Leonard Bernstein's glorious Chichester Psalms, the music blends religious reverence with jazzy rhythms, creating a melodic and conventional score that McGregor embraces fully. The choreography breathes like a singer, with sets by Edmund de Waal providing towering frames that evoke cathedral-like awe without religious paraphernalia. The dancing is particularly enchanting, highlighted by the sensitivity of young first artist Marco Masciari and his pas de deux with Emile Gooding, making them definite talents to watch.
Quantum Souls: A Premiere of Exploration and Vitality
The world premiere of Quantum Souls features more experienced principals, including the soulful William Bracewell. The score by Bushra El-Turk, titled Ka from 2022, incorporates a vast array of drums, gongs, and marimba played live by Chinese percussionist Beibei Wang, with some improvisational elements. The choreography is absorbing and exploratory, with dancers interacting in multitudinous ways that keep audiences guessing. When the stage shifts from bright banana-yellow to a starry night sky—designed by McGregor with lighting expert Lucy Carter—the dancers skitter like creatures with rapid heartbeats. Wang's vital presence energizes the performance, and her movement among the dancers suggests she has cast a spell over them throughout.
Alchemies runs at the Royal Opera House in London until 6 May, showcasing McGregor's ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth, proving that his dance can indeed make you swoon.
