bridiem Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Email from ENB: We are writing to let you know about a change to the programme for THE FORSYTHE EVENING at Sadler’s Wells. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on rehearsals for our upcoming performances. In light of this, and to ensure our audiences experience work of the highest artistic quality, we have taken the difficult decision to adapt the programme for THE FORSYTHE EVENING to comprise Blake Works I and Playlist (EP) only. This means Approximate Sonata 2016 will no longer be performed. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause and thank you for your understanding. “William Forsythe is a master of 20th century choreography. These two pieces exemplify his ability to present classical vocabulary in a way that speaks to audiences of all ages. Blake Works I is one of the most beautiful ballets I have seen in a long time. Alongside this, we will return to Playlist. With its combination of unique choreographic style and exhilarating music, it’s an onstage party and one which we cannot wait to share with you.”Tamara Rojo, Artistic Director, English National Ballet If you would like to find out more about the works being performed, watch our short film and hear from ENB’s dancers about working on Playlist (Track 1, 2) with William Forsythe. Ticket bookers will also be contacted directly by Sadler’s Wells. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Drat. I was hoping you were going to say something along the lines of they'd replaced something with In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridiem Posted January 25, 2022 Author Share Posted January 25, 2022 Just now, alison said: Drat. I was hoping you were going to say something along the lines of they'd replaced something with In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated Yes; I note the word 'adapt' is used in place of the perhaps more accurate 'cut'! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheilaC Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 I was very disappointed when I got the email. I booked months ago for a ticket for me and my daughter to attend on my birthday. After all 3 performances of Raymonda I had booked were cancelled, this was the last straw. As Approximate Sonata was already in their rep I find it hard to believe they can't stage it, there are 9 weeks before the SWT programme. There was no hint in the email of a substitution. And still no news of a likely regional tour, not that they come anywhere near where I live. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Sob! 😢 Still going though. On the plus side, no need to rush for the trains home! 😀 Blake Works I looks really good from the clips that the Paris Opera Ballet have released of their production, and Playlist Track 1,2 is actually being expanded to become Playlist (EP)- not just a must see but a must must see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scheherezade Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 59 minutes ago, SheilaC said: I was very disappointed when I got the email. I booked months ago for a ticket for me and my daughter to attend on my birthday. After all 3 performances of Raymonda I had booked were cancelled, this was the last straw. As Approximate Sonata was already in their rep I find it hard to believe they can't stage it, there are 9 weeks before the SWT programme. There was no hint in the email of a substitution. And still no news of a likely regional tour, not that they come anywhere near where I live. My feelings exactly, SheilaC. And even if it hadn’t been in their rep, 9 weeks is surely enough time to perfect “work of the highest artistic quality”. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizbie1 Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Maybe they are a coach down because of ongoing travel restrictions? It's very frustrating though, I agree. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blossom Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 9 minutes ago, Scheherezade said: My feelings exactly, SheilaC. And even if it hadn’t been in their rep, 9 weeks is surely enough time to perfect “work of the highest artistic quality”. Looks like they are taking Creature to Chicago before they start work on Forsythe so not as long to play with. I did look up the Forsythe programme this morning as trying to encourage some friends to come and thought something was missing. On receiving the email, my main thought was that it could have been worse- thankfully nothing was cancelled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scheherezade Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 True. But I do think that we shouldn’t be in the position of having to be grateful for small mercies. And if the Chicago Creature tour is the real reason for the decision to ‘adapt’ the programme, could this be another case of Adele-itis, albeit considerably milder since so far this is not a full cancellation and it comes with plenty of advance warning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheilaC Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 I've seen Blake Works in Paris and it is good, dynamic, another reason for wanting to go. If the reason really is due to an overseas tour then it's yet another example of how in recent years there has been a change in balance between national and international touring, to the disadvantage of the taxpayer and English ballet lovers. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 Wonder how long the programme would have been with AS and whether that means Playlist is actually going to be much longer, or if it will be a very, very short show? It will be interesting to see what the running times of the show turn out to be. Now for the waiting game to see when casting information appears.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnstar Posted January 26, 2022 Share Posted January 26, 2022 ENB's website currently has the running time down as 1h20 including interval, which presumably means only about an hour of dance. I'd consider that to be fairly short. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheilaC Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 I've had an email from Sadler's Wells stating that as compensation for the shorter programme I can receive a free programme on the night. No hint that I can return the tickets and get a refund or voucher. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emeralds Posted January 27, 2022 Share Posted January 27, 2022 4 hours ago, SheilaC said: I've had an email from Sadler's Wells stating that as compensation for the shorter programme I can receive a free programme on the night. No hint that I can return the tickets and get a refund or voucher. I feel bad for Mr Forsythe that his Approximate Sonata 2016 is implied by the management to be worth only £6 to £8! (Their usual programme prices.) It’s a substantial ballet! Can’t help feeling it’s a bit of a waste as their dancers are more than up to the challenge. Even one pas de deux from AS would be worth it- I know Cojocaru, Robison and Dronina (from the original cast) have left the company now, but there are still other soloists from the last run who could prepare an excerpt, I’m sure - Adams, Caley, Streeter, Hedman, Hernandez etc etc. Or perhaps even another Forsythe work like Steptext or an excerpt from In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, which many of the company have danced before ....? For me it’s more the waste of opportunity for the dancers than feeling shortchanged (although I think we do feel a bit shortchanged as it is) if the rest of the show isn’t going to be very long. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 7 hours ago, SheilaC said: I've had an email from Sadler's Wells stating that as compensation for the shorter programme I can receive a free programme on the night. No hint that I can return the tickets and get a refund or voucher. Well, Sadlers' standard conditions do allow you to return tickets, although there's some admin fee to pay. Very frustrating for the dancers, and everyone else, I guess, though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LACAD Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 I really love this ballet so I was quite gutted to hear that it’s been cut, though if any of the pieces were at risk of being chopped it was Approximate Sonata. I agree with Emeralds, I saw the second cast perform this and it introduced me to Rina Kanehara and Sarah Kundi who are both wonderful artists. It also was one of the few leading roles Angela Wood has done (who I think is a lovely dancer). I was really excited to see it again but perhaps they’ll keep it around for next season as I presume they’ve already paid for the rights to put on the work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 Is the show really only going to be one hour of dancing now? That’s way too short for a major company? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 English National BalletTHE FORSYTHE EVENINGSadler’s Wells, London31 March – 10 April 2022ballet.org.uk/the-forsythe-evening English National Ballet’s much-anticipated performances of THE FORSYTHE EVENING will take place at Sadler’s Wells, London, from Thursday 31 March – Sunday 10 April 2022. Dancer: Erik Woolhouse. Photo © Jason Bell. Creative Direction: Charlotte Wilkinson Studio Having premiered William Forsythe’s first creation for a UK ballet company in over 20 years in 2018, Playlist (Track 1, 2), English National Ballet’s relationship with the revered American choreographer continues with THE FORSYTHE EVENING. The bill includes an extended version of Playlist (Track 1, 2), Playlist (EP), presented in the UK for the first time.Juxtaposing ballet classicism and athleticism with the beats of neo-soul and house music, the piece expands with six tracks ranging from Khalid and Barry White to Lion Babe, and up to 30 dancers on stage. Joining Playlist (EP) is Blake Works I, a soulful piece for 21 dancers set to seven songs from James Blake’s album The Colour in Anything. Solos, duets and intricate group formations reflect the poetic melodies and words of Blake’s music. English National Ballet’s Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo CBE, said: “William Forsythe is a genius of 20th century choreography. This bill exemplifies his ability to present classical vocabulary in a modern context in a way that speaks to audiences of all ages. Blake Works I is one of the most beautiful ballets I have seen in a long time; and I am thrilled we will see the Company return to Playlist with its combination of Forsythe’s unique choreographic style and exhilarating pop music – it’s an onstage party which is a complete joy to witness.” Due to the significant impact of COVID-19 on rehearsals, the programme for THE FORSYTHE EVENING has been adapted to comprise of Blake Works I and Playlist (EP) only. Approximate Sonata 2016 will no longer be performed. Cunard is Production Sponsor for THE FORSYTHE EVENING. -ENDS-English National Ballet is grateful for the generous grant it has been awarded through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, which allows it to continue to create, perform and serve its audiences. Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. NatWest is Principal Partner of English National Ballet.Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Cunard is Production Sponsor for THE FORSYTHE EVENING. English National Ballet is an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells. Production Credits: Blake Works IChoreography, Stage Design - William ForsytheLighting Design - Tanja Rühl, William ForsytheCostumes - Dorothee Merg, William ForsytheMusic - James Blake; songs from The Colour in Anything Playlist (EP)Choreography, Stage Design, Costumes - William ForsytheLighting -Tanja RühlMusicPeven Everett – Surely ShortyAbra – VegasLion Babe – Impossible (Jax Jones remix)Khalid – LocationBarry White – Sha La La Means I love YouNatalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) Listings: THE FORSYTHE EVENING Sadler’s Wells, London 31 March – 10 April 2022 www.ballet.org.uk/forysthe About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English Dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through live performances across the UK and on eminent international stages including The Bolshoi Theatre and Palais Garnier; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s.Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet has introduced ground-breaking new works to the Company’s repertoire whilst continuing to honour the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw English National Ballet enter a new chapter in its history when it moved into a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, Mulryan Centre for Dance, bringing a renewed commitment to, and freedom for, creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before.www.ballet.org.uk About Arts Council England Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. www.artscouncil.org.uk Following the Covid-19 crisis, the Arts Council developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package, with nearly 90% coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support. We are also one of several bodies administering the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund and unprecedented support package of £1.57 billion for the culture and heritage sector. Find out more at www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19 About CunardCunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 181 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria with destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia. In 2017, Cunard announced plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1998 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNC Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 Surely if the programme has changed significantly customers would and should be entitled to refunds? (Not sure about contractually but certainly from a good will perspective.) I understand it’s been a tough year financially with covid and also the impact it will have had on morale and rehearsals but to cut a third of the programme (and given it is unlikely but not improbable that some people may have booked for that alone) without any offering of refunds and a price reduction seems bizarre. I agree 9 weeks should be enough to prepare the additional piece as planned but obviously we don’t know the details so I respect that rather than overwork dancers (risking more injuries) or showing something under rehearsed they’ve taken the decision to cut now. I do hope this sells well and am looking forward to seeing it nonetheless but for how long can covid be used as an excuse to radically alter plans? I accept it is a valid reason but not offering (at least partial) refunds and reducing overall performance prices despite the difficult situation is the main issue to me here. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 When Covid first curtailed theatre I had tickets for Northern Ballet performing Great Gatsby at the Leeds Playhouse. Obviously I carried them forward. In the end Gatsby was eventually replaced by the Covid-modified version of Dangerous Liaisons. I got a partial refund from the Playhouse without even asking as the ticket prices had been reduced! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 I do think offering less than one hour of dancing is unacceptable. They could add to the programme with divertissements, especially from Raymonda or even Nutcracker. Of course I don’t understand the ENB specific rehearsal scheduling difficulties. It seems to me it should be possible given the casts for the Forsythe pieces are small. Then rename the programme ‘Forsythe and extras’ 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 Does it still only come in around an hour with Playlist apparently having been extended? I must admit (not that I am coming to London) that I like your idea Fiona. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 I’m looking forward to the extended Playlist which, according to ENB’s releases, will include up to 30 dancers. But I agree that a shortened programme might not feel ‘enough’. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizbie1 Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 1 hour ago, FionaE said: I do think offering less than one hour of dancing is unacceptable. They could add to the programme with divertissements, especially from Raymonda or even Nutcracker. Of course I don’t understand the ENB specific rehearsal scheduling difficulties. It seems to me it should be possible given the casts for the Forsythe pieces are small. Then rename the programme ‘Forsythe and extras’ Some of those featured at the anniversary gala could work very well, I think. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 33 minutes ago, Lizbie1 said: Some of those featured at the anniversary gala could work very well, I think. Lovely for the audience; but such pieces would require rehearsal time too and the lack of that is said to be the problem. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted January 29, 2022 Share Posted January 29, 2022 I do question this ‘lack of time’ Other companies are managing to produce varied programmes and to rehearse for future ones. Hmmm. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted January 31, 2022 Share Posted January 31, 2022 I emailed ENB querying the running time of 1 hour 20 minutes, including an interval .. and received this polite explanation in reply. I guess we do have to be understanding for some time yet about the difficulties caused by ongoing covid absences. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Thank you for your email. The running time you’ve given below is correct – there will be about one hour of dancing. I am very sorry for the disappointment caused by these changes. This change to the programme is not a decision that was taken lightly by our artistic team. Unfortunately, our rehearsal schedule was severely impacted by Covid-19 cases within the company, and we do not have enough time to prepare the planned programme to the necessary standard. The dancers are on holiday for two weeks following Raymonda, and they will also need to prepare for and perform the international tour of Creature in Chicago at the end of February. This leaves the company with only a few weeks to learn new choreography and rehearse for The Forsythe Evening. I hope this helps to explain the decision. Please let me know if you have any questions” 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted March 23, 2022 Share Posted March 23, 2022 A reminder PR: English National BalletTHE FORSYTHE EVENINGSadler’s Wells, London 31 March – 10 April 2022ballet.org.uk/the-forsythe-evening English National Ballet’s dancers will take to stage next week for THE FORSYTHE EVENING, an electric evening of dance at Sadler’s Wells, London, which runs from Thursday 31 March - Sunday 10 April 2022. Photo caption: English National Ballet dancers performing Playlist (Track 1, 2) which features in THE FORSYTHE EVENING from 31 March - 10 April at Sadler's Wells, London With choreography by the legendary American choreographer William Forsythe to modern music by artists including James Blake, Lion Babe, Khalid and Barry White, this is set to be an evening to remember. The bill includes an extended version of Playlist (Track 1, 2), Playlist (EP), presented in the UK for the first time, which combines ballet classicism and athleticism with the beats of neo-soul and house music and Blake Works I, a soulful piece featuring solos, duets and intricate group formations set to seven songs from James Blake's album The Colour in Anything. Listen to THE FORSYTHE EVENING playlist now available on Spotify, and watch the trailer on YouTube. Listings:THE FORSYTHE EVENING Sadler’s Wells, London 31 March – 10 April 2022www.ballet.org.uk/the-forsythe-evening/ Notes to Editors English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. NatWest is Principal Partner of English National Ballet. Ballymore is Principal Building Partner of English National Ballet. Cunard is Production Sponsor for THE FORSYTHE EVENING. English National Ballet is an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells. About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history. Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English Dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet's growth and evolution ever since. English National Ballet brings world-class ballet to the widest possible audience through live performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; and being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as English National Ballet's Dance for Parkinson's. Under the artistic directorship of Tamara Rojo CBE, English National Ballet has introduced ground-breaking new works to the Company's repertoire whilst continuing to honour the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw English National Ballet enter a new chapter in its history when it moved into a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in east London, Mulryan Centre for Dance, bringing a renewed commitment to, and freedom for, creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before. www.ballet.org.uk About Arts Council England Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. We have set out our strategic vision in Let's Create that by 2030 we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where everyone of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. We invest public money from Government and The National Lottery to help support the sector and to deliver this vision. www.artscouncil.org.uk Following the Covid-19 crisis, the Arts Council developed a £160 million Emergency Response Package with nearly 90% coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support. We are also one of several bodies administering the Government's Culture Recovery Fund and unprecedented support package of £1.57 billion for the culture and heritage sector. Find out more at www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Perregrino Posted March 23, 2022 Share Posted March 23, 2022 various tube (London Underground) stations and Charing Cross station amongst other public spaces have been blitzed with posters advertising this programme this week. ticket sales seem slow, so perhaps some enticing offers will appear .... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted March 23, 2022 Share Posted March 23, 2022 I noticed that at Charing Cross yesterday. Can't say the photo on the poster did a lot for me, personally. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaM Posted March 23, 2022 Share Posted March 23, 2022 Plus it’s only one hour long 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alison Posted March 23, 2022 Share Posted March 23, 2022 Yes. If I'm going to spend £11 and all that time and energy getting up to town, I shall be wanting to do something else as well, maybe go to the cinema. Or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Wall Posted March 24, 2022 Share Posted March 24, 2022 Still no casting with the opening being so relatively soon? Does that seem odd? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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