Shadows

About

Shadows is a triple-bill ballet production presented by the Dutch National Ballet that explores themes of war, humanity, and sublime beauty. The program is anchored by the revival of Kurt Jooss's The Green Table (1932), a seminal anti-war ballet that remains strikingly relevant in contemporary times of conflict. The piece is renowned for its opening tableau of black-suited politicians and its haunting depiction of death lurking in the shadows. Contrasting the dark themes of Jooss's work, the program features Wayne McGregor's Yugen, a piece whose title translates to 'sublime beauty' in Japanese, offering a hopeful and visually striking dynamic. Rounding out the production is Regnum, a world premiere by Ukrainian-Dutch choreographer Milena Sidorova, set to the music of Mozart's Symphony No. 25. Together, the three works create a complex emotional arc ranging from enthusiasm to despair, fear, and ultimately, unabashed humanity.