A Tale About Swan Lake

The Norwegian National Ballet’s Stunning Reimagining of a Timeless Classic: A Tale About Swan Lake made an ambitious reinterpretation of one of ballet’s most enduring masterpieces,Swan Lake. In the dimly lit confines of the Oslo Opera House, an air of quiet anticipation electrifies the room. The Norwegian National Ballet, renowned for its creative daring and technical precision, has unveiledA Tale About Swan Lake, a bold, multi-layered retelling that has captivated audiences and critics alike.

This isn’t simplySwan Lake as the world knows it; this is a story about the story—a reflection on its timeless themes, its cultural legacy, and its modern-day resonance. With innovative choreography, a lush new score complementing Tchaikovsky’s immortal melodies, and a visually arresting stage design,A Tale About Swan Lake is a production that pushes the boundaries of what classical ballet can achieve. 

A Story Within a Story

Under the visionary direction of Alexander Ekman, a Swedish choreographer celebrated for his genre-defying works, the production offers a meta-narrative that explores the myths and mysteries surroundingSwan Lake. Instead of focusing solely on the ill-fated romance of Odette and Prince Siegfried, the ballet delves into the creative process behind the making of the original work, the cultural significance it has accrued over time, and the personal stories of the dancers themselves.

“The goal was to deconstructSwan Lake while honoring its spirit,” says Ekman. “This ballet has been performed and interpreted in countless ways, but rarely do we step back and ask: Why has it endured? What does it mean to us now?”

Innovative Choreography

The choreography seamlessly blends classical ballet with contemporary movements, creating a dynamic visual language that feels both timeless and fresh. Ekman collaborated closely with the dancers to develop movements that reflect the duality at the heart ofSwan Lake: the tension between freedom and captivity, love and betrayal, reality and fantasy.

One particularly striking sequence features the corps de ballet performing in water, a recurring motif in Ekman’s work. The shimmering reflections of the water onstage serve as both a homage to the original lake and a metaphor for the fluidity of storytelling itself.

“I wanted the dancers to feel the weight and unpredictability of water as they moved,” Ekman explains. “It adds a layer of vulnerability and beauty that is impossible to fake.”

A Symphony of Sound and Vision

Complementing the groundbreaking choreography is a score that interweaves Tchaikovsky’s original compositions with new music by Norwegian composer Henrik Skram. The result is a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that moves seamlessly between the familiar and the unexpected.

“The music had to carry the weight of tradition while also offering something new,” says Skram. “We retained the iconic themes but reimagined them with modern instrumentation and harmonies that reflect the emotional complexity of the new narrative.”

Visually,A Tale About Swan Lake is a feast for the senses. Costume designer Maria Geber created a stunning array of costumes that blend the ethereal elegance of classical ballet with edgy, modern textures. The set design, spearheaded by architecture and stage design duo Snøhetta, incorporates rotating platforms, cascading fabrics, and minimalist projections that evoke the dreamlike quality of the original story.

Dancers as Storytellers

The production’s emotional core lies in the performances of its principal dancers, who bring fresh depth to familiar roles. Odette, portrayed by the luminous Maiko Nishino, radiates both fragility and strength, while Grete Sofie Borud Nybakken’s interpretation of Odile is a masterclass in seductive power. Prince Siegfried, danced by Philip Currell, is rendered not as a passive romantic hero but as a man grappling with the weight of choice and consequence.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this production is the integration of the dancers’ own voices. Interspersed throughout the performance are recorded interviews with the cast, who share their personal connections toSwan Lake. These moments of vulnerability blur the line between performer and character, making the ballet feel deeply personal.

Critical Acclaim

Since its premiere earlier this month,A Tale About Swan Lake has received widespread acclaim. Critics have praised its bold artistic vision, innovative execution, and emotional resonance.

“Ekman has crafted a work of rare genius,” wrote critic Ingrid Hovden inAftenposten. “This is not merely a reinterpretation ofSwan Lake; it is a meditation on the power of art to transform, endure, and connect us across time.”

Audience members, too, have been moved by the production.

“I’ve seenSwan Lake more times than I can count, but this was something else entirely,” said one attendee. “It made me see the story—and myself—in a whole new light.”

A New Chapter in Ballet History

For the Norwegian National Ballet,A Tale About Swan Lake represents more than just a production; it is a statement of intent. By reimagining a classic, they have not only paid homage to the past but also paved the way for the future of ballet as a living, evolving art form.

As the final curtain falls and the audience erupts into thunderous applause, one thing is clear: thisSwan Lake is not just a tale for the ages—it is a tale about the ages, a reflection of how art continues to inspire, challenge, and transform.

In the heart of Oslo, a new legend is taking flight, one pirouette at a time. For those interested in staying up to date about what the Norwegian National Ballet is producing and upcoming casting calls, you can sign up for their newsletter here.

All photos from the production of A Tale of Swan Lake produced by the Norwegian National Ballet.
Featured in main image: Grete Sofie Borud Nybakken as Odette and Erik Murzagaliyev as Nøkken

Drew Janine

Live Sound Engineer -EUROPE

Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive as working behind the scenes in theatre as a live sound engineer. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020 and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending time on tour across the North American continent and Europe. Drew’s favourite by far though has been the chance to work on Broadway and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry and hopes to inspire others to continue working in theatre.