Russell Maliphant

The radical new take on Dickens’ classic seeks both to exhume the original story’s gritty commentary on social inequality and the corrupting influence of greed, and to breathe new life into the lyricism of the original text by setting its scenes to extraordinary tableaux of modern dance.

The Michael Clark Dance Group perform to the music of T.Rex, Chopin, the Beatles and the Velvet Underground.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ballets Russes, Sadler’s Wells commissioned four of today’s leading and acclaimed choreographers to create one work each honouring the legacy of impresario Sergei Diaghilev. IN THE SPIRIT OF DIAGHILEV features Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s Faun, Russell Maliphant’s AfterLight (Part One), Wayne McGregor’s Dyad 1909 and the controversial Eternal Damnation to Sancho and Sanchez by Javier de Frutos. Specially filmed interview content offer viewers the unique opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at the works in rehearsal, as the collaborators share their thoughts on the enduring influence of Diaghilev and the remarkable collaborative spirit of the Ballets Russes. The performances involve collaborations with artists and filmmakers Jane and Louise Wilson, acclaimed composer Nitin Sawhney and costumes by leading fashion designer Hussein Chalayan.

Visually rich dance from an award-winning director and choreographer inspired by the works and process of artist Jackson Pollock and the abstract expressionists. Filmed live at Sadler’s Wells in London, Russell Maliphant paints his own interpretation with movement, light and shadow to create a poetic journey, with the exceptional dancers of Russell Maliphant Dance Company. Creative collaborators include Ryan Stafford (lighting design), Katya Richardson (music) and Stevie Stewart (costume design). Filmed by producer and director Martin Collins.