Frankenstein, Royal Ballet, and Ballet DVDs

Last week saw the world premiere of The Royal Ballet’s new production Frankenstein, a co-production with San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by Liam Scarlett. This is Scarlett’s first length work for the main stage where he teamed up with the American composer Lowell Liebermann and designer John Macfarlane to create a truly terrifying work. The ballet is based on the novel by Mary Shelley and Scarlett has focused on the theme of love throughout the work from Victor and Elizabeth, Victor and his mother and the craving of love from the creature to Victor that will never be returned. For more information about the production you can go to the Royal Ballet’s website where you can see clips of designer John Macfarlane showing you around the ballet's sets, including the full-size anatomy theatre, and Liam Scarlett in rehearsal with Laura Morera who talk about creating the character of Elizabeth.

As it happens, the Whittaker Library has just purchased a whole load of new Royal Ballet DVDs from classics such as Swan Lake and Giselle to more contemporary pieces like the Metamorphosis and the Winter’s Tale. What a coincidence! They feature the dancers Carlos Acosta, Tamara Rojo, Natalia Osipova, Edward Watson, Steven McRae and of course Darcey Bussell; as well as choreography from Ashton, Wheeldon and MacMillan. Take a look at our new additions to the collection here.