Empty Thrones
Ballet

An evening of dance based on works by William Shakespeare with music by Max Zachrisson

  • Eine Szene aus Empty Thrones
    © Lucia Hunziker

  • Recommended age: 12+

Due to unexpected logistical problems, this production will unfortunately not be resumed in the season 22/23.

A ballet about power and betrayal

Duels, betrayals, intimate seductions, monologues in front of the mirror, love scenes and deaths: this is what Shakespeare’s plays about the five kings of England from Richard II to Richard III are all about. Richard Wherlock also tells of the crimes and strategies used to hold on to power. The music for this evening of dance is reminiscent of a captivating film soundtrack and was written by ensemble member Max Zachrisson.

They are absolutely merciless, the battles fought between the houses of Lancaster and York, known as the Wars of the Roses, to which Wherlock refers. He very wisely makes no attempt to retell the brutal conflicts through the practice of classical ballet, instead focusing on their serious core: on the lust for power, intrigue and despair.
Basler Zeitung

Digital Bookstall

Together with our dramaturgy team, Basel’s arts centre Bider and Tanner has been curating the bookstall for our performances for many years. The wide range of books, CDs, DVDs, catalogues and even sheet music is now available 24/7 in the online shop. It’s worth taking a regular look.

Bookstall

Dates follow

Mediathek

Gnadenlos sind sie, die als Rosenkriege bezeichneten Kämpfe der rivalisierenden englischen Adelshäuser York und Lancaster, auf die sich Wherlock beruft. Und er versucht klugerweise erst gar nicht, die brutalen Verwicklungen mit den Mitteln des klassischen Handlungsballetts nachzuerzählen, sondern zielt auf den ernsten Kern: auf Machthunger, Intrige und Verzweiflung. 
Basler Zeitung