Liam Scarlett's Frankenstein Sees Chicago Premiere

Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein Sees Chicago Premiere

In a stunning blend of classic literature and contemporary dance, The Joffrey Ballet is set to captivate Chicago audiences with Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein, a production inspired by Mary Shelley’s iconic 19th-century novel.

As the company prepares to embark on its 68th season, the spotlight shines brightly on the highly anticipated Chicago premiere of Scarlett’s critically acclaimed interpretation, a co-production of The Royal Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet.

Scarlett’s vision brings Shelley’s timeless tale into the modern era, crafting a gothic masterpiece that unfolds against the backdrop of the burgeoning field of modern science.

This adaptation delves deep into the profound themes of life, death, love, and identity, offering a visceral and emotionally charged narrative that promises to resonate with audiences.

“The Chicago premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein is storytelling at the grandest scale, but with delicate emotion rendered in fine detail. Frankenstein suggests that otherness—and subsequent acceptance of the darkest parts of ourselves—is part of the human experience. We honor the memory of Scarlett, whose artistry in reimagining of Shelley's epic story takes form through the movement of the Joffrey’s electrifying dancers, a pulsating original score, and a fascinating set design.”

Ashley Wheater MBE

Artistic Director of Joffrey Ballet

Liam Scarlett's Frankenstein

The production’s heartbeat pulses to an original and sweeping score composed by Lowell Liebermann. This evocative music provides the emotional undercurrent that drives the story forward, ensuring that every moment on stage resonates with the audience.

To bring this macabre masterpiece to life, the Joffrey Ballet has enlisted the talent of artist John Mcfarlane whose stage design will transport viewers into the heart of Shelley’s narrative.

Joffrey Ballet President and CEO Greg Cameron adds:

“As we embark on our 68th season at the Joffrey, we are propelled by an unyielding commitment to artistic exploration. Under the visionary leadership of Ashley Wheater, we have the privilege of sharing Liam Scarlett’s masterwork of Frankenstein with Chicago.
Today, this creative ambition extends past the stage into all aspects of our organization. From nurturing the next generation of dancers in the Joffrey Academy, sharing dance throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods with our Community Engagement programs, to our newly renovated facilities fostering a thriving environment across all of our departments, the Joffrey’s impact in the arts resonates within every corner of our city.”