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Arthur Pita’s dance-theatre adaptation of Franz Kafka’s 1915 novella had its premiere at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Studio Theatre in 2011. The role of Gregor Samsa was created for Royal Ballet Principal Edward Watson, and draws on his extraordinary technical abilities. The unusual and absurd story is conveyed through startling choreography – an intelligent presentation of the pressures and yearnings of the young Kafka.
Frank Moon’s score and Simon Daw’s stark, white designs in traverse create a claustrophobic atmosphere, while the horror of Gregor’s physical alteration is evoked by black fluid that smears the stage. Although Gregor’s mother and father struggle to come to terms with his transformation, his younger sister, Grete, is more sympathetic. However, her feelings change and she undergoes her own metamorphosis as she moves from childhood to adulthood. The Metamorphosis won a South Bank Sky Arts Award and Edward Watson won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance for his role.
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Composer:Frank Moon
Gregor Samsa: Edward Watson
Grete Samsa: Laura Day
Mrs Samsa:Nina Goldman
Mr Samsa:Neil Reynolds
Maid/Coffee Lady/Dream Figure/Bearded Man:Bettina Carpi
Music composed and performed by: Frank Moon
Choreography/Director:Arthur Pita
Designs:Simon Daw
Lighting design:Guy Hoare
Assistant Choreographer:Scarlett Perdereau
Producer: Poppy Ben-David
Directed for the screen by:Ross MacGibbon
Plus: Introduction to The Metamorphosis with Mariella Frostrup / Bringing The Metamorphosis to Life / Cast Gallery
Picture: 16:9
Sound: PCM Stereo / DTS 5.1
Region code: 0 Worldwide
Format: NTSC
Running Time: 89+8 mins
Year: 2013
