In a unique collaboration between the Royal Ballet and the National Gallery, this summer will see the ballet and visual arts come together in a celebration of interdisciplinary arts and culture.
Taking inspiration from Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”, this project features an exhibition at the National Gallery as well as a ballet performance at the Royal Opera House. Three of Titian’s masterpieces, Diana and Actaeon, The Death of Actaeon, and Diana and Callisto are in the collection of the National Gallery and have inspired Metamorphosis: Titian 2012. The recently acquired Diana and Callisto has generated a lot of media attention thus far, and it is likely that there will be continued interest in this wonderful set of paintings.
This summer an exhibition of contemporary interpretations of Titian’s masterpieces will be on display in the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery. This will also include costume and set designs for the Royal Ballets three new ballets that will be performed for a week in July. As part of the BP Summer Screens, the 16 July performance of Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 will be screened in Trafalgar Square and other locations throughout the UK for free.
This is a true collaboration featuring choreography, music, art, poetry, and set/lighting design. Kim Brandstrup, Alastair Marriott, Wayne McGregor, Liam Scarlett, Will Tuckett, Jonathan Watkins, and Christopher Wheeldon created choreography for the project. Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 will feature music from Jonathan Dove, Nico Muhly, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. Artists Chris Ofilli, Mark Wallinger, and Conrad Shawcross will be featured in addition to ballet dancers from the Royal Ballet. Also participating are librettist Alastair Middleton and lighting designer Lucy Carter. As part of the Cultural Olympiad, this project is representative of the spirit of London 2012 – bringing together the historical and contemporary and creating a sense of unity. Words: Emily Sack © ArtLyst 2012
Photo: © Gautier Deblonde
Metamorphosis: Titian 2012 is on view at the National Gallery from 11 July to 23 September. Performances at the Royal Opera House run from 14 – 20 July.