Event

A bold retelling of Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s award-winning novel The Handmaid’s Tale brought to life as a contemporary ballet by choreographer Lila York. A dystopian tale set in a futuristic society that erases human rights—particularly women’s rights— the work tells the story of Offred, the “scarlet handmaid” of the Commander, master of a hierarchical and theocratic dictatorship.

This darkly romantic, edgy dance drama —performed on pointe —is a tour de force by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Everything about this ballet is entrancing: the dancers’ extraordinary athleticism, impressive costumes by Liz Vandal, ingenious sets, and the stirring music of James MacMillan and Arvo Pärt amongst others. Atwood’s penetrating message, more timely and relevant than ever, shines through in York’s finely honed world.