Most recent performance

There are currently no scheduled performances of Ceremony of Innocence. It was last on stage 7–17 November 2014.

Introduction

Prompted by a chance encounter, a man remembers his past.

Background

The corruption of innocence is at the heart of Kim Brandstrup's Ceremony of Innocence – a major theme in the work of composer Benjamin Britten. The ballet was created as part of the celebrations of the composer's centenary. Brandstrup chose Britten's Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge (1937), a brilliant early work that shows the young composer just on the cusp of his maturity. Britten wrote the work a few months after the sudden death of his mother, and dedicated it to his old teacher, Bridge. From this context of loss and reminiscence Brandstrup creates a haunting narrative work on age and memories of youth.

Ceremony of Innocence was first performed in 2013 at the Aldeburgh Festival, as part of the global celebrations of the centenary of Britten's birth. Video designs by Leo Warner of 59 Productions (The Royal Opera's Salome and The Minotaur) create an impressionistic, shadowy world permeated by joy and loss.

News and features

• Your reaction: Ceremony of Innocence / The Age of Anxiety / Aeternum

  8 November 2014

  

  What did you think of The Royal Ballet's latest mixed programme featuring works by Kim Brandstrup, Liam Scarlett and Christopher Wheeldon?

• Cast change: Deirdre Chapman and Bennet Gartside to dance in Ceremony of Innocence on 14 and 17 November 2014

  4 November 2014

  

  Deirdre Chapman and Bennet Gartside to replace Christina Arestis and Edward Watson.

• Britten and ballet: A surprisingly rich relationship

  31 October 2014

  

  Although he only created one full-length ballet, the composer had more to do with dance than you might think.

• Ballet Essentials: Ceremony of Innocence / The Age of Anxiety / Aeternum

  29 October 2014

  

  Our quick guide to the world premiere from Liam Scarlett and two recent highly-acclaimed works from Kim Brandstrup and Christopher Wheeldon.

• Watch: Our Favourite Kim Brandstrup Clips

  27 October 2014

  

  The works from this award-winning and versatile choreographer are astonishing for their psychological depth.

• Cast changes and additional casting for The Royal Ballet's Autumn Season 2014/15

  16 October 2014

  

  Amendments announced and casting confirmed for Cassandra, Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan, Symphonic Variations, Ceremony of Innocence and The Age of Anxiety.