Rambert Presents the World Premiere of Life is a Dream
21st May 2018
Choreographed by two-time Olivier Award-winner Kim Brandstrup in collaboration with legendary filmmakers the Quay Brothers, Life is a Dream is a two-act, modern reimagining of the 17th-century play by Pedro Calderón de la Barca. Following its run at Sadler’s Wells, Life is a Dream will feature at the Bergen International Festival in June 2018 before touring the UK and internationally to 2019.
The Rambert Orchestra will perform the music by Lutosławski which includes his folk-inspired Dance Preludes, Musique Funèbre written in memory of Bela Bartok, and Chain II, a thrilling violin concerto. The second act is set to Lutosławski’s Symphony no. 4, a piece often described as a summation of his life’s work. Life is a Dream also features recordings of 1950s pop songs, fox-trots and tangos by "Derwid", Lutosławski’s pseudonym and post-war alter ego.
Choreographer Kim Brandstrup says
‘What I find in Lutoslawski’s music is beautiful, and there’s an emotional line running through it that’s almost like speech. … It’s not rhythmically tight and precise like Stravinsky, for example, but it’s incredibly emotional music that’s never sentimental.’ (The Times on 17 May, 2018)
Life is A Dream is commissioned by Bergen International Festival and is supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute / Polska Music, Cockayne Grants for the Arts – a donor advised fund of The London Community Foundation, and Arts Council England.
For more information, please visit rambert.org.uk/performances/life-is-a-dream.
Choreography Kim BrandstrupDesign Quay BrothersMusic Witold Lutosławski
Lighting design Jean KalmanCostumes Holly WaddingtonDramaturg Willem BrulsProjection consultant Jonathon LyleSound design Ian DeardenBased on the play by Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Performances
Sadler’s Wells, LondonPreview performance Tuesday 22 May, 7.30pmPremiere Wednesday 23 May, 7.30pmTickets £10 - £45www.sadlerswells.com | 020 7863 8000
Bergen International Festival, NorwayWed 6 Junwww.fib.no/en | +47 55 21 06 30
UK Tour
Norwich Theatre RoyalThu 27 – Fri 28 Sepwww.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk | 01603 63 00 00
Venue Cymru, LlandudnoMon 1 – Tue 2 Octwww.venuecymru.co.uk | 01492 872 000
The Lowry, SalfordWed 10 – Sat 13 Octwww.thelowry.com | 0843 208 6000
Festival Theatre, EdinburghThu 22 – Sat 24 Novwww.edtheatres.com | 0131 529 6000
Theatre Royal PlymouthMon 26 – Sat 1 Novwww.theatreroyal.com | 01752 267 222
Theatre Royal GlasgowThu 14 – Sat 16 Feb 2019www.atgtickets.com | 0844 871 7647
Eden Court, InvernessThu 21 – Fri 22 Feb 2019www.eden-court.co.uk | 01463 234 234
Curve Theatre, LeicesterTue 26 – Thu 28 Feb 2019www.curveonline.co.uk | 0116 242 3595
