Scottish Ballet brings AI-infused Coppélia to Istanbul for debut

Scottish Ballet has introduced its groundbreaking AI-inspired production of Coppélia to Turkish audiences with debut performances at Istanbul's Zorlu PSM on Friday and Saturday. The innovative adaptation reimagines the classic ballet through a contemporary lens, incorporating digital visuals, cinematic elements, and live orchestral performance to explore modern technological themes.

Contemporary Reinterpretation of Classic Ballet

Directed and choreographed by Morgann Runacre Temple and Jessica Wright, with Christopher Hampson serving as artistic director, the production seamlessly blends traditional dance with theater, film, and immersive digital projections. The creative team has transformed the original 19th-century narrative into a modern fairy tale centered around a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur attempting to instill human emotion into an AI-driven avatar.

Musical Innovation and Technical Elements

The classic Leo Delibes score has been reinterpreted with electronic elements by composers Mikael Karlsson and Michael P. Atkinson, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The staging incorporates sophisticated technical elements including video design by Will Duke, costumes by Annemarie Woods, and voiceovers by Jeff James, creating a multi-sensory theatrical experience that bridges classical and contemporary artistic forms.

Artistic Vision and Cultural Significance

Artistic Director Christopher Hampson described Istanbul as "a modern, cosmopolitan city with outstanding theater venues," making it an ideal location for the production's Turkish premiere. Principal dancers Constance Devernay Laurence and Bruno Micchiardi noted the production preserves the original ballet's spirit while offering distinctive contemporary relevance, with themes that resonate strongly with current technological developments and societal questions about artificial intelligence.