The premiere of the Rite in 1913 was the scandal that sounded the beginning of modern music – a riot onstage, as well as off. In 2023 we embarked on our biggest project yet: Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, performed from memory. With the help of actors Charlotte Ritchie and Karl Queensborough voicing the words of the composer and his collaborators, we dissected the iconic score with a newly-created dramatic and musical introduction. With the help of movement, design, lighting and newly-commissioned projections by Anouar Brissel, we illuminated the context and ideas behind the piece’s creation, its unprecedented use of rhythm, harmony and dissonance, and the story of its notorious premiere. This unique living programme note set the stage for a performance of the whole ballet entirely from memory, without sheet music, stands or chairs.
Jane Mitchell concept and script Jane Mitchell and James Bonas directors Anouar Brissel projections David Bishop lighting Iain Farrington music arrangements
Aurora is very grateful to its ‘Augurs of Spring’ supporters, who generously helped to cover the costs of developing this project: Nicholas and Margo Snowman, Richard and Rosamund Bernays, Liz Forgan, Louise Kaye, Michael and Rita Laven, Jonathan Deakin and James Marsh, Richard and Helen Sheldon, Suzanne Szczetnikowicz, Eduardo Tamraz, the Garrick Charitable Trust and The Leche Trust. The project was dedicated to the memory of Nicholas Snowman OBE, who died in 2023.
