Choreographer Alice Topp reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedy in a contemporary world of politics, media and influence. Six years in the making, this co-production with Royal New Zealand Ballet had its world premiere in Wellington in February. Drawing on 1940s big band, 1970s funk, progressive rock and electronic dance music, Christopher Gordon’s score combines eight live musicians from West Australian Symphony Orchestra with a recorded ensemble of 126 musicians, including Michael Jackson’s former guitarist Greg Howe. Joel Bass conducts.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

THE CROWN OUTLIVES THE KING.

Choreographer Alice Topp brings naked ambition, political power and transgression to the fore in this new, high-octane contemporary ballet, propelling Shakespeare’s iconic characters into a shadowy world of manipulation by media, boardroom intrigue and sudden violence. Accompanied by Christopher Gordon’s pounding new score, performed live by members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, this is a bold and bloody re-telling not to be missed.