Natalia Osipova in London
Natalia Osipova, the celebrated ballerina with the Royal Ballet, will be dancing a triple bill at Sadler's Wells at the end of September, from 27 September to 1 October. Following the summer World Premiere of the same works, Osipova will return to the theatre with three works by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Russell Maliphant and Arthur Pita, created for her by the renowned contemporary choreographers.
Prior to its London dates, the production visited the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh as part of the 2016 Edinburgh International Festival in August, and in November the production will visit New York City Centre, marking its US Premiere. In a double whammy for audiences, once again Osipova will be joined on stage by former Royal Ballet dancer Sergei Polunin.
The first work is Qutb, choreographed by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist and Artistic Director of Royal Ballet of Flanders Cherkaoui. Qutb, a trio for Osipova and two male dancers, Jason Kittleberger (Cedar Lake Contemporary Dance Company) and James O’Hara (recently seen in Bolero at Paris Opera Ballet).
The second work is Maliphant’s Silent Echo, a new duet for Osipova and Polunin. The piece features lighting by Maliphant’s long-time collaborator and Knight of Illumination award-winner Michael Hulls. Maliphant is one of the longest-standing Associate Artists of Sadler’s Wells. He trained at the Royal Ballet School and graduated into Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet Company before leaving to pursue a career in independent dance.
The final part of the evening sees a second duet for Osipova and Polunin from Royal Opera House regular Pita. In Run Mary Run, Pita crafts a dark, comedic story for the pair, featuring a soundtrack from The Shangri-La’s, The Crystals and David Lynch. Pita and Osipova previously worked together on Facada (2014) which featured Osipova dancing with Ivan Vasiliev.