The Forsythe Programme at Sadler’s Wells
If the word “ballet” makes you think of tutus, tiaras and classical music, the English National Ballet’s latest offering invites you to think again. The Forsythe Programme at Sadler’s Wells serves up a tasting platter of the artform with three separate works on show. All are taken from the storied career of venerated choreographer William Forsythe, and it’s an excellent showcase of his trademark blend of styles and playfulness with the traditions of ballet.
Proceedings kick off with Rearray (London Edition 2025), a captivating piece in which constant tonal shifts keep the audience engaged. David Morrow’s music, featuring jarring high strings, builds an atmosphere of tension and eeriness but offers reprieve in long stretches of silence when the performers’ breathwork is cleverly employed as the score. Amidst these more sombre elements, Forsythe manages to skillfully inject some humour with light choreographic touches such as a clap or a tap of the foot.
Herman Schmerman (Quintet), one of Forsythe’s most famous works, provides an immediate contrast as a bolder, brassier piece. The costumes (originally designed by Forsythe himself) are bright-red, form-hugging leotards, proudly drawing attention to the muscularity of the performers. Long-time Forsythe collaborator Thom Willems provides a pleasingly punchy score, and the choreography is made to match, less fluid and more athletic than Rearray. Forsythe includes solos for each dancer but has them playfully interact with each other, showing off their power but in a way that’s amusing and light-hearted. It’s deliberately a spectacle, wowing the crowd with the physicality of ballet.
The high point of The Forsythe Programme is no doubt its final piece, Playlist (EP), in which Forsythe sets his work to recognisable pop and soul hits. It could easily be a cheap gimmick, but Forsythe doesn’t dumb down his choreography – the dancers still show the incredible finesse and artistry we expect from ballet. But what Forsythe manages to capture is the sheer joy of dance. The footwork is light and airy, and the arm movements are expansive; combined with some grinning appeals to the crowd (borrowed from hip hop), it creates the distinct impression the dancers are just having a really great time. The use of recognisable music and the allusions to other styles subtly invite the audience to recall their own happy times on the dance floor. It’s a joyful, inclusive celebration of ballet.
This handpicked selection from Forsythe’s career might not follow a central narrative like one of the classics. But it’s an appetising smorgasbord that offers a sample of everything and ends on a high. This is a fun, spectacular display that’s accessible for newcomers while containing plenty of technical prowess to satisfy the ballet lovers.
Maggie O’Shea
Photos: ASH
The Forsythe Programme is at Sadler’s Wells from 10th until 19th April 2025. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the trailer for The Forsythe Programme at Sadler’s Wells here:
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