The Metamorphosis

A dark, surrealist nightmare is conjured up in Arthur Pita’s dance-theatre adaptation of Kafka’s novella. It was created for Royal Ballet Principal Edward Watson.

Photos

Introduction

Gregor Samsa, a travelling salesman, awakes one morning to find that he has been turned into a monstrous insect. His mother, father and younger sister respond to his transformation in very different ways.

News and features

The Metamorphosis broadcast by Sky Arts on 27 May
Another chance to see Arthur Pita’s award-winning dance-theatre adaption of Kafka’s novella.
The Metamorphosis to be staged in New York and broadcast on Sky Arts in the UK
Further chances to see Arthur Pita's acclaimed dance-theatre adaptation.
Watch: Stage managing The Metamorphosis
Acclaimed production isn’t just about dance, it’s also about treacle.
Edward Watson and Monica Mason receive Olivier Awards
Ceremony held at Royal Opera House.
Edward Watson on Kafka, contemporary dance and David Attenborough
A Principal of the Royal Ballet, Edward Watson will be performing in a new ROH2 production of The Metamorphosis later this month, we caught up with him after rehearsals to talk about the creative process.

Background

Arthur Pita’s 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 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.

Thanks to

Role supporter

Frank Moon. Derek and Sheila Watson

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Running time

About 1 hour 20 minutes | no interval

Credits

Choreography	Arthur Pita
Music	Frank Moon
Designs	Simon Daw
Lighting design	Guy Hoare

The Metamorphosis

Photos

Introduction

News and features